Could the next stop in Ezequiel Barco’s playing career be Italy?
The Atlanta United playmaker told TNT Sports in Argentina that someone from Fiorentina has contacted his agent.
"I know that from Fiorentina, they contacted my agent," Barco was quoted as saying on MLSsoccer.com. "Also some clubs from France. It's true that Fiorentina would be a nice possibility, yes. But now I don't know what is going to happen with everything with this pandemic."
Atlanta United President Darren Eales said on Monday that the club hasn’t been contacted by any others about Barco.
Barco, 21, has two goals this season and 10 goals in 43 appearances during the regular season for the Five Stripes.
When consistently healthy, Barco has played well for Atlanta United. He played 26 of 34 games in 2018 and 15 in 2019.
Fiorentina is one of numerous clubs that reportedly have showed an interest in Barco. Fiorentina is located in Florence. Its chairman is Italian-American Rocco Commisso.
Atlanta United purchased Barco’s rights from Independiente for a then-MLS record fee of $13.5 million.
Barco's value when purchased by Atlanta United was $7.5 million, according to transfermarkt.us. The difference in value and price were agent fees. His current value is $9.9 million.
Though in only its fourth season in MLS, Atlanta United has shown an ability to sell players at profit. Miguel Almiron is the best example. He was purchased from Lanus in Argentina for $8.25 million and sold to Newcastle in England for a reported $26 million.
About the Author
