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Atlanta United closing in on young trio from Newell’s Old Boys

Three young players could be headed to join Tata Martino

Gremio v Newell's Old Boys - Copa Bridgestone Libertadores 2014 Photo by Lucas Uebel/Getty Images

While the headlines are discussing Atlanta United’s major signing of Miguel Almirón, the club is also working to strengthen its depth with young players from Tata Martino’s beloved Newell’s Old Boys.

We previously discussed Milton Valenzuela and Maximiliano Pollachi. Valenzuela is an 18-year-old left back who has cracked into the first team at Newell’s this year. Pollachi is a 21-year-old center back who was in the mix as a young player when Martino managed the squad in 2013 prior to leaving for Barcelona.

Joaquin Torres is a 19-year-old attacking central midfielder. He joined Newell’s when he was twelve years old after three trials against other talented young players at his age. He is small, fast, and has scored goals with the junior teams of the club.

These additions would be loans, with Atlanta United having an option to buy the players’ rights if they choose. There is another player, 21-year-old Franco Escobar, that Martino likes but Newell’s does not want to let him leave.

With about six weeks between now and the beginning of training camp, Tata Martino and Atlanta United are very busy in building their inaugural squad.