The Daily Dirt, December 22: Rumors and El Clásico

El Clásico

The 270th El Clásico match, between Real Madrid and Barcelona is on Saturday. You can watch it on beIN Sports at 7:00 a.m. ET. This is bound to be another great matchup in what is one of, if not the best, rivalries in world soccer.

Real Madrid will be looking to trim the 11 point lead by Barcelona in La Liga to eight. Meanwhile, Barcelona looks to not only keep their undefeated record in La Liga but hope to stretch their large lead of Real Madrid to 14.

Carlos Carmona leaving?

Rumor has it that Carmona may be looking to move back to his native country, Chile. One team interested in his services is reportedly Colo-Colo, who has apparently offered a three-year deal for his services.

Looking from Atlanta’s point of view (if there is truth to this) you have two options. Option one, you let Carmona play out his contract with you this season in hopes that he propels you into winning the MLS Cup. Then let him leave on a free transfer next offseason. Option two, since you already kinda have his replacement in Nagbe, sell him to Colo-Colo this year and recuperate some of the lost TAM in the Nagbe trade.

To me, option two seems best. Sure you lose a year of Carmona but it gives you more financial flexibility to bring in some more help.

Domestic

Detroit must wait until new year to learn MLS fate (DetroitNews)

MLS invites initial group of 60 players to 2018 Combine (MLS)

International

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona live stream info, TV channel: How to watch El Clasico on TV, stream online (CBSSports)

American in El Clasico? Pulisic 'One step away' from joining likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid (Goal)

Manchester United evaluating Christain Pulisic for possible transfer? (Stars and Stripes FC)