Martino mum on Remedi-to-Atlanta United report

Eric Remedi of Banfield heads the ball against Guillermo Fernández of Godoy Cruz during a match between Banfield and Godoy Cruz as part of Argentina Superliga 2017/18  April 21, 2018, at Florencio Sola Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Credit: Marcelo Endelli

Credit: Marcelo Endelli

Eric Remedi of Banfield heads the ball against Guillermo Fernández of Godoy Cruz during a match between Banfield and Godoy Cruz as part of Argentina Superliga 2017/18 April 21, 2018, at Florencio Sola Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said he read a report tying the club to midfielder Eric Remedi, but at the moment “there’s nothing to comment on.”

“But I read the same thing,” he said.

Remedi is a 23-year-old Argentinian who plays as a defensive midfielder for Banfield in his native country.

The club is reportedly set to pay $2 million for the player.

There are a few issues Atlanta United would need to resolve to sign the player, who would compete with Jeff Larentowicz, Julian Gressel and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, among others, for playing time. The club has been searching for a defensive midfielder since it sold Carlos Carmona to Colo-Colo in Chile before the season.

The first issue is the transfer fee and salary would make Remedi a Designated Player, according to MLS rules. The club could use Allocation Money to buy down that fee and salary, which would remove the DP tag from Remedi. The club likely has more than enough Allocation Money from the sale of Carmona.

The second issue is the club has used all of its seven international slots. One of the players occupying a slot could be loaned to Atlanta United 2, or would need to complete a green card. Atlanta United has completed that process with several players already.

Remedi couldn’t join Atlanta United until the transfer window opens on July 10.

Atlanta United leads MLS in points (33). It will host Chicago in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday and Portland in league play on Sunday. Both games will be Mercedes-Benz Stadium.