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Independiente Vice President Pablo Moyano went on FOX Sports Argentina on Tuesday to give some updates about the club. He confirmed that they have rejected Atlanta United’s $12 million bid for Ezequiel Barco and have countered with a $24 million price tag.
Moyano: "The offer of $12M for Barco was rejected. I think it has been raised but still doesn't satisfy Independiente." pic.twitter.com/sRXjMBK1lI
— Independiente in Eng (@CAI_english) December 26, 2017
Moyano: "After the Maracaná, Barco is worth much more. We talk to the people in Atlanta & replied with an offer of $24M for 100%." pic.twitter.com/foVJJ1YQX9
— Independiente in Eng (@CAI_english) December 27, 2017
It appears that Independiente’s and specifically Barco’s success in the Copa Sudamericana has severely altered the club’s valuation of their top prospect. The question now becomes, will Atlanta up their offer more or pull out? It seems very unlikely that they’ll reach the $24 million price tag put on him, but they could try and up their original offer.
If they decide not to and move on, they have at least a month to bring in a new player before the preseason starts. Time is on their side, so there’s really no need to panic. As for Independiente, are they willing to risk not getting any money for Barco? There doesn’t appear to be any other offers on the table and are asking for twice as much money from Atlanta.
This saga doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon unless Atlanta go out and sign someone else or Barco is sold to another club. Stay tuned, I guess...