Leandro Gonzalez Pirez’s transfer from Atlanta United in MLS to Tijuana in LIGA MX is “90 percent done,” according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reported earlier Thursday that the move is "about to close."
Why Atlanta United is interested in selling Gonzalez Pirez -- the transfer fee hasn't been revealed and wasn't known by the person -- remains unknown. The club has yet to comment. His value is $2.85 million, according to transfermarkt.us.
Gonzalez Pirez has twice finished top five in MLS Defender of the Year voting and formed a strong partnership first with Michael Parkhurst and then Miles Robinson in the middle of Atlanta United’s backline. The club won three major trophies.
Gonzalez Pirez, 27, appeared 95 times in league games for the Five Stripes the past three seasons. His salary in 2019 was $810,008, according to the MLS Players Association salary database.
Gonzalez Pirez has a green card and is active with the MLSPA in its ongoing negotiations with the league for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Tijuana finished 11th of 19 teams in the LIGA MX recently completed Apertura. The Clausura starts in January.
