As part of what was seemingly an uncharacteristic "ask me anything" interview with MLSsoccer.com reporter Sam Stejskal, Atlanta United President Darren Eales revealed at the MLS Combine that the team is pursuing a defender as its third Designated Player.
The first two DPs are midfielders Hector Villalba and Miguel Almiron. Eales declined to say who that defender may be. He did say he hopes to complete the signing in the next few weeks.
A report by the website fourfourtwo revealed that the club is actually close to acquiring two defenders, both of whom play in Europe.
There have been reports that Atlanta United is pursuing aged center back Martin Demichelis , an Argentinian who has played under manager Gerardo Martino for their country's national team.
Demichelis was once one of the finer centerbacks in Europe while at Bayern Munich and Malaga. But his career took a turn for the worse when he joined Manchester City and has lack of pace was exposed. The 36-year-old moved to Espanyol in Spain’s first division, where he has barely played.
It would be stunning if he were to become Atlanta United’s third Designated Player because of his age. Eales has said he is not a fan of what he terms “dead money,” which is a way to describe paying for a player who can’t potentially be sold for a profit.
It would also be curious because Atlanta United is one of several MLS teams that will play on what should be a fast turf. A speedy turf combined with a slower player wouldn’t seem to be a wise investment.
There haven’t been any reports of any other European-based centerback who may be signing with Atlanta United.
Other things that need to be resolved. Here are a few things that are still up in the air:
The team will open its season hosting New York Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium on March 5.
- It has yet to announced who its TV partner(s) is and/or who its announcing team is.
- It has also yet to announce if it's renewing its partnership with Charleston in the USL.
- It has steadfastly refused to provide an update on season-ticket sales. The last update was the 22,000 mark announced months ago.
- It has also doesn't have anywhere close to enough players to run a scrimmage, much less field a team.
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