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It has been a little while since we did one of these and there are a few new ones to consider. Welcome to Talkin’ Dirty where we’ll look at the recent rumors around the team and see if they’re worth following.
Important reminder: Rumors are just that -- rumors. None of this has been confirmed as legitimate news or fact, it's just circulating around the rumor mill. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.
Also, it is Atlanta United club policy to not comment on rumors.
Robbie Keane
Sources: Atlanta United have offer in on Robbie Keane. No deal signed yet. Atlanta FO told me they won't be commenting on rumors.
— MLS Transfers (@MLSTransfers) November 20, 2016
We have covered this one pretty extensively so far, with Haris Kruskic and Parker Cleveland have given their thoughts. No new updates here, but it seems rather unlikely. Keane has been clear in his distaste for turf and a 35-year-old Designated Player does not seem to fit with the direction of this club so far. Keane mentioned a number of potential destinations (Australia, China, Qatar, United Arab Emirates) in a recent ESPN piece, but nothing was said about MLS.
Maximiliano Pollachi and Milton Valenzuela
#Reserva Maximiliano Pollachi y Milton Valenzuela son seguidos por Gerardo Martino para ir a #EEUU
— Pablo Rubio (@pablook7) November 28, 2016
Pollachi is a 21-year-old center back currently with Newell’s Old Boys reserves in Argentina. When Tata Martino was at the club, Pollachi was signed to the first team roster at 16-years-old. He made the bench for some games in the first division and Copa Libertadores, but did not make an appearance.
Valenzuela is 18-years-old and made a substitute appearance for the first team in February in the first division. He was also in the gameday squad for other games. Valenzuela is a left back who can get forward and contribute to the attack.
With Martino and assistant Jorge Theiler (former head of Newell’s Old Boys’ academy) obviously knowing them very well, this rumor makes a great deal of sense and could have some legs to it. Whether it is a loan or transfer, it makes sense for promising young players to seek out first team soccer.
Juan Vargas
Back in October, a rumor popped up about Vargas being a possible signing for United. This was because someone added his name to the team’s roster on their Spanish language Wikipedia page.
Today, it was reported that Vargas himself debunked this one. Scratch “El Loco” from the list.