Atlanta United
Atlanta United

Exclusive: Barco talks about joining Atlanta United

Barco, 18, is a 5-foot-6 midfield phenom. The left-footed Barco has played for Independiente of Argentina's Primera Division. Barco has made 57 appearances for Independiente. Barco, an attacking midfielder, has scored eight goals. He appeared in the 2017 Copa Sudamericana and scored the title-winning goal against Flamengo. Atlanta United paid $15 million to acquire Barco. Barco is expected to be under contract through 2021.
By
Jan 31, 2018

Ezequiel Barco, considered one of the brightest young talents in world soccer, joined Atlanta United Tuesday at preseason training in Orlando and spoke to the AJC's Doug Roberson about his new team, high expectations and more.

Barco, 18, left Independiente in Argentina and joins the Five Stripes in a deal for a reported $15 million transfer fee.

About the Author

Doug Roberson covers the Atlanta United and Major League Soccer.

Follow Doug Roberson on facebookFollow Doug Roberson on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador dribbles during the first half of the match against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on Saturday May 31, 2025. (Courtesy of Brennan Asplen/Atlanta United)

Credit: Brennan Asplen/Atlanta United

Atlanta United has improved in 4-3-3, just not in area expected

In the past three matches, the United's goals allowed per match, expected goals against per match, shots against, and shots on goal against per match have improved.

1h ago

Ronny Deila says Atlanta United is soft on set pieces

Homegrown signee Will Reilly scores first goal to tie match.

Atlanta United scores late to tie Chicago

Atlanta United drew 2-2 with Chicago after a dramatic stoppage-time goal by Will Reilly. The team remains 11 points out of a playoff spot.

The Latest

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador dribbles during the first half of the match against the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on Saturday May 31, 2025. (Courtesy of Brennan Asplen/Atlanta United)

Credit: Brennan Asplen/Atlanta United

Atlanta United has improved in 4-3-3, just not in area expected

1h ago

Ronny Deila says Atlanta United is soft on set pieces

Atlanta United scores late to tie Chicago

Featured

“Our members cannot be bought off,” General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers “illegal and haphazard.” (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

UPS offers unprecedented buyouts for drivers

The Teamsters union, which represents about 340,000 UPS employees, is urging its full-time members to reject the offers.

Longtime south Atlanta flea market set for massive mixed-use makeover

The developer is planning one of the largest projects in Atlanta’s Southside, a more than $500 million project near Greenbriar Mall.

MARTA chief Collie Greenwood retiring early

MARTA CEO and General Manager Collie Greenwood is leaving “because of immigration and personal matters” and has elected early retirement.