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With the Oscar Romero saga appearing to end in tragedy for Atlanta United, Tata Martino and company could be looking in a different direction to bolster the roster. This morning, a couple of rumors have popped up regarding players at Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. El Fortín has had a rough start to the season, sitting currently in 24th place out of 30 teams in the Argentine top flight.
This unacceptable start has fueled speculation that changes could be coming in January, with some players on the fringes of the squad being offloaded. Atlanta United has been mentioned as a potential destination for two of them.
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.
Yamil Asad
Asad is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder currently with Velez Sarsfield in Argentina. He has played 62 times for the club since he came up to the first team at 18-years-old. In the current campaign, he has only seen the field twice. Reportedly, his contract expires at the end of 2017.
#velez Yamil Asad esta muy cerca de jugar en Atlanta United que dirige Gerardo Martino. La operacion se haria a prestamo y con opcion. pic.twitter.com/igM27jdfoM
— Vélez a Fondo (@velezafondo) December 20, 2016
According to many reports, Asad would be loaned to Atlanta with an option to buy his contract. With little playing time this season, reports from Argentina have stated that the club wanted to find a chance for Asad to play elsewhere.
He has primarily featured for Velez as a central attacking midfielder, but has seen action all over the midfield. His speed and acceleration are two of his greatest characteristics.
“Turco” is the third Asad to feature for Velez and the family is synonymous with the club. He earned his nickname due to his family’s Lebanese and Syrian roots.
Maxi Romero
Asad’s teammate Maxi Romero has also been linked to Tata Martino and Atlanta United. He is a 17-year-old forward who played a good bit early this season, but has not seen the field since early November for the first team.
His name was mentioned on the Fox Deportes Argentina show 90 Minutos as a possible recruit by Martino. He has also been mentioned as a player that would likely leave Velez in the new year due to his lack of playing time.