Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino declined on Monday to confirm a report that the loan for Yamil Asad has been made permanent.

Martino did say that Asad, a midfielder who is tied for the league lead in assists (9), is an important part of the team.

A report out of Argentina on Friday said that the MLS expansion team was acquiring Asad permanently from Velez Sarsfield, where he made 55 appearances and scored four goals.

Asad is 22 and a native of Argentina. He starts primarily on the left side of Atlanta United’s formation. His work pressing opponents to create turnovers has led to many of his assists.

Atlanta United (8-7-3) has won two consecutive games and will host San Jose on Tuesday at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.

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