Just rumor right now but it's an indicator that AUFC is shopping for another attacking midfield DP, in addition to Lucas Rodriquez for whom they already paid $1.7 million just for the rights to sign him in either of the next two transfer windows. Translation: Barco replaces Asad, presumably this winter Rodriquez replaces Almiron when he's sold to Europe next summer In order for both moves to take place, AUFC would have to buy-down Tito Villalba's salary and convert him to non-DP status. Also, acquiring Asad permanently would cost $2 million which only makes sense if he's a DP because that money would hit the salary cap if he's not a DP. Again, just rumor for now but it's very consistent with Daren Eales' stragey of making AUFC a launching pad to Europe for young stars rather than embracing the "retirement league" strategy employed by many other MLS clubs for their DP slots. Identify young stars, buy low, sell high and repeat the cycle. https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/at...sfer-rumors-news-ezequiel-barco-independiente
It looks like United upped their offer significantly, but Independiente won't budge and Barco's pissed. I wonder how much leverage he has to force a move. http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/...reject-another-atlanta-bid-barco-saga-rumbles
A pesar de los cortocircuitos que aparecieron en las últimas horas, la dirigencia de #Independiente tiene decidido dejar ir a Ezequiel Barco al Atlanta United: 13 millones por el 70% y negocian el 30% restante— Guido Valeri (@guidovaleri) January 4, 2018 Can't say how seriously this should be taken, but it's now shown up on the FB AUFC fans page and DSS. $13M for 70% and negotiate the remaining 30%
So now it feels like Nagbe is in to replace Asad and Barco will be the heir to Almiron? (Positional shifts notwithstanding) with Nagbe in Barco isn't vital for the starting 11 so AU can be frugal in their dealing. Would like to have him but I agree they don't need to break the bank.
Nagbe on the left? For some reason I thought most of the convos revolved around him paired with Carmona/Gressel/Larentowicz behind Mig, with Barco on the left if he comes.
I think you're right. I can't see the normal lineup including Gressel and Nagbe in the middle, so if Carmona goes you'll probably see another acquisition, or perhaps a platoon with Jeff and McCann (maybe even Goslin) alternating throughout the season.
Allegedly a done deal for Barco DEAL DONE: Reports that the negotiations are finally complete & Ezequiel Barco is going to @ATLUTD - $15M plus 30% of sale before 2020 pic.twitter.com/vKttrXq5Bw— Independiente 🇬🇧🔴 (@CAI_english) January 12, 2018
My guess is this... Barco: Starts at left wing, replacing Asad, but moves to the middle when and if Almiron is sold to Europe. This gives him time to develop and learn Tata's system before that happens. Once Miggy is sold, Atlanta exercises the option on Lucas Rodriguez and he takes over at left wing (we paid a $1.7 million deposit to acquire first right to sign him in either of the next two transfer windows). Nagbe: He and Carmona play behind Miggy, maintain possession, and service the attacking players. Jeff becomes a sub at defensive midfield or CB and ends up still seeing a lot of minutes as he'll be the first defender off the bench to rest a starter or to replace someone for injury or yellow card accumulation. Gressel will be the first sub option for any attacking or midfield player. Also, Barco was absolutely crucial to our plans because he's the heir to Almiron. He's the one guy with the two-footed, ball-handling and passing skills to fill Almiron's shoes. No one on our 2017 roster could have done that. So, we had to get him and it was important to have some overlap before Almiron leaves to get him ready to assume the #10 role. Longer-term, it's possible that Andrew Carlton could fill that role, and Barco may only be in ATL about 2 seasons. But it was highly unlikely that a guy with only 1 MLS appearance as a late-game sub (Carlton) was going to suddenly become the starting center-mid for a team with MLS Cup ambitions in 2018.
Barco deal now finally announced on club website: https://www.atlutd.com/post/2018/01/19/atlanta-united-signs-ezequiel-barco-young-designated-player
This could be a huge strike about Atlanta... In the last year I watched many matches of Barco's team Independiente - they win Copa Sudamericana, Barco had main rolle about that... One of the biggest argentian stars, he will demonstrate his skills in MLS
Thanks. We're obviously very excited to have him in Atlanta. He should do well playing for Tata Martino and being surrounded by other South American players like Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez, and Tito Villalba. Hopefully, he'll help us compete for championships in MLS and then realize his dream of playing in Europe someday. Can't wait for the season to start.
Exciting times here in Atlanta to be sure. As a primary I think I'd like to see them use a 4-3-3 to start ----------------Martinez------------------- -----Barco--------------------Villalba----- -----------------Almiron-------------------- ------Nagbe-------------------------------- -------------------------Carmona---------- Garza----------------------------Escobar ------------LGP--------Parky-------------- ------------------Guzan--------------------- Off the bench 1 Gressel 2 Larry 3a Carleton (offensive minded) 3b Hernandez (defensive minded)
The starting 11 seems pretty much set, assuming of course that Carmona plays his final year in Atlanta and doesn't go back to Chile until next year. If Colo Colo completes a deal for him this window, then Larentowicz resumes his starting role rather than becoming our primary sub at CM or CB. Note that the FO is hinting that there may still be one more singing this window and, if so, I'd expect it to be a versatile defender. We've got quality dept at every position except CB and RB. So, adding a versatile defender would be the final piece of the puzzle. Something similar to the Walkes loan deal would be perfect (actually, getting him back for one more year would also be perfect).