After weeks of wondering if Jeff Larentowicz would stay with Atlanta United, the defensive midfielder was included among the list of free agents released by the league on Sunday.
However, though the option on his contract was declined by Atlanta United, the team is still negotiating with the midfielder/centerback. They have until Tuesday to re-sign him before free agency begins and other teams can try to sign him.
The 34-year-old appeared in 33 games, making 30 starts, in helping the Five Stripes become the first MLS expansion team since Seattle in 2009 to make the playoffs.
Speaking at the year-end media wrap-up last month, technical director Carlos Bocanegra said the team was still discussing Larentowicz, as well as on-loan players Yamil Asad and Greg Garza. The team signed Garza to a permanent deal. The team provided no updates to weekly questions about Larentowicz and Asad until Sunday’s free-agent list was released.
Larentowicz could re-sign with Atlanta United. If he doesn’t, the decision may open more playing time at defensive midfield for Julian Gressel, Kevin Kratz or Chris Goslin.
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