:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52162655/619442356.0.jpeg)
Andres Guardado’s acquisition in January is “still on track” according to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl. Guardado would fill the final Designated Player slot for Atlanta United in 2017.
Today's insider on @FOXSoccer: Donovan almost certainly not returning to play in 2017; Atlanta spending big https://t.co/mC0xs4J79f
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) December 6, 2016
Wahl had more Atlanta United information in his most recent report. Tata Martino, according to sources, is the second-highest paid manager in MLS behind New York City FC’s Patrick Vieira.
A bigger bit of information is that while Atlanta United is spending big money (Wahl backs up FourFourTwo’s $8.5 million transfer fee for Miguel Almirón), the club is not blowing its budget on these moves. They are backed up with revenues coming in from sponsorships and season ticket sales.
It’s a busy next few weeks for Atlanta United. The MLS Expansion Draft will bring five new players to the club on December 13. Free agency also opens that same day. The waiver and Re-Entry Drafts will follow on December 15 and 16.
By the end of next week, there will be a more complete picture of what Atlanta United’s initial roster will look like. Just hold a spot for the “still on track” acquisition of Guardado at this point.