Atlanta United's pursuit of Andres Guardado is real but complicated

Back in late May when the Mexico national team were in Atlanta preparing for the Copa America, a report came out claiming that Atlanta United were pursuing Andres Guardado.

Today that report got confirmed by Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl who offers some details on the situation. According to Wahl, United's interest in the 29-year-old is indeed real. They have been told that Guardado would command a yearly salary between $3.5-4 Million and would require a transfer fee to his club team PSV since he's still under contract for two more years.

Wahl adds that if a deal does come to fruition, Guardado would join Atlanta United in January. However, MLS have warned the club that they fear that Guardado may be using United to get a higher contract offer from PSV.

It seems like a really convoluted negotiation process with some speculation involved on both sides. Guardado told reporters in Atlanta that he would welcome a move to MLS. While playing in the Champions League is every player's dream, the Eredivisie isn't the highest level of competition. A big time contract offer would certainly lure the Mexican international away from Netherlands.

So, where we stand now is that Atlanta United are for sure interested in Guardado. He could join the club in January if a contract and a transfer fee can be agreed to. All with the caveat that Guardado may be playing each side against each other.