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.

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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

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“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