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Over a month ago it was rumored that Atlanta United had agreed to sign Newell’s Old Boys defender Franco Escobar. The Argentine even put out a cryptic social media post that appeared to confirm as much. However, here we are at the beginning of December and we’ve seen no announcement.
There now appears to be some movement on the transfer front as Escobar has been held out of the team’s match day squad for the past two matches, including tonight against Racing Club. Journalist Nico Filomeno says that’s because Escobar’s move to Atlanta is all but completed.
Chocho Llop confirmó el debut de Facundo Nadalín ( ) para el sábado; #Newells recibirá a #Racing con Pocrnjic; Nadalín, Bianchi, Paz, Ferroni; Rivero, Sills; Torres, Sarmiento, Figueroa; y Leal.
— Nico Filomeno (@NicoFilomeno) November 30, 2017
Franco Escobar será transferido a @ATLUTD y por eso no jugará. pic.twitter.com/Co9ITHmciZ
“Franco Escobar will be transferred to #ATLUTD and therefore will not play.” - via Google Translate
Escobar has played just one game for the club since the rumors emerged. Newell’s appear to have called up replacements from their reserve team to replace him in their squad rotation.
It appears we’re just waiting for an official announcement from either club at this point. It is presumed that Escobar will play right back for Atlanta United with Tyrone Mears’ option being declined and Anton Walkes’ loan expiring. We’ll just have to wait patiently now and hope the deal goes on without a hitch.