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Get ready Atlanta United fans...
Rumors out of Argentina have Hector “Tito” Villalba joining Atlanta United as soon as next week. The rumored transfer fee has been reported as close to $2M, but possibly as high as $2.5M. Word came out late last night that he will spend the next 6 months on loan to Tijuana of LigaMX.
Atención!!! @TitoVillalba15 El lunes firmará contrato con Atlanta de la MLS y sería cedido 6 meses al Tijuana. pic.twitter.com/CFeFjdOMYj
— Diego Castagnolo (@DiegoCastagnolo) July 9, 2016
Dirty South Soccer has been chasing this story for a while now, ever since Villalba’s agent name dropped Atlanta United on a radio interview about Villalba’s future. Other English language media are starting to follow this story as well:
Following up on @emaquix's earlier tweet and @DiarioOle story, can confirm that Tito Villalba to Atlanta Utd is close but not yet official.
— Arch Bell (@ArchBell) July 9, 2016
Due to the transfer fee involved, Villalba would almost certainly be a Designated Player signing. However, due to his age, he would qualify for the Young Designated Player classification and have a smaller salary cap hit.
More news on Villalba, and any other potential signings, to come on Dirty South Soccer. Make sure you are following DSS on Twitter and Facebook to stay connected.
America
The bumpy ride for Orlando continues this week, they draw 0-0 at home with Houston (The Mane Land)
This shot from @OSPhoto, though. #frameit #ORLvHOU pic.twitter.com/FZKB9V8hd4
— Alicia Rose DelGallo (@OSAliciaD) July 9, 2016
More details from owner Phil Rawlins on why Adrian Heath was fired in Orlando (Orlando Sentinel)
This week’s turmoil is now spreading to the players and fans, Antonio Nocerino argued with fans after the draw:
Nocerino arguing with the supporters pic.twitter.com/CtKVKjPeEw
— Nicholas (@WilkenNick) July 9, 2016
Dallas remains on top of the Supporters Shield standings with a 1-0 road win in San Jose (Center Line Soccer)
Mauro magic. #SJvFCD pic.twitter.com/OcYefFPIaI
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) July 9, 2016
Can we just wrap up the Goal of the Week right now @MLS? #DTID pic.twitter.com/bvjibvQtbJ
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) July 9, 2016
Maccabi Tel Aviv reportedly offer $800K for Steve Birnbaum of DC United, they turn it down (ESPNFC)
Nicolas Lodeiro deal is “getting close” for Boca Juniors to send him to Seattle (Sounder at Heart)
Big ESPN game today with the LA Galaxy heading to Seattle for a 3pm kickoff. (LAG Confidential)
Would Jason Kreis have improved on his Year One results if he had been allowed to stay on at NYCFC? (Hudson River Blue)
Turmoil in Fort Lauderdale as checks bounce and players leave the NASL’s Strikers (FiftyFive.One)
World
Sunderland still trying to get DeAndre Yedlin permanently (Chronicle Live)
Papiss Cisse heading to China for an undisclosed (but probably huge) fee (Newcastle United)
A look at the rise of Antoine Griezmann of France ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2016 final (SB Nation)
Atlanta
Braves win 11-8 in a slugfest in Chicago (Talking Chop)
Hawks start summer league action with a win over Houston (Peachtree Hoops)