Several MLS teams inquiring about Atlanta United’s #2 pick in 2017 SuperDraft

In an interview with MLSSoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal, Atlanta United president Darren Eales revealed that he has heard from a number of MLS clubs about trading for their #2 pick in the upcoming SuperDraft. Atlanta has a pair of picks in the first round: the #2 overall selection, set during the expansion priority draft in October, and a natural selection of eighth, acquired from Orlando City SC in exchange for expansion draft pick Donny Toia. Eales mentioned that the club would pull the trigger if they were to get something in return that would fit what they were looking for, but is comfortable with keeping both as well.

[W]e think that two in the top 10, they’re two good picks to have, but I think that especially as we get nearer to draft day we’ll get more concrete inquiries. At the moment it’s more sort of general, what are you thinking, but I think we feel pretty good with the two and the eight.

Eales also noted that the club is focusing on a defender for its third designated player slot, mentioning that there should be more on that front “in the next couple of weeks”. This likely means that any pursuit of Andres Guardado is basically all but dead, especially with PSV Eindhoven reportedly refusing to let the midfielder head to MLS. With names like forwards Oscar Romero and Darwin Quintero connected to the club, only to come off the board for one reason or another, Eales looks to be refocusing his approach at this time, possibly keeping his eye on Mexico and Argentina.