The Daily Dirt, February 1: Wheeling and dealing

We reported on Carlos Carmona’s possible signing by Atlanta United last night, and more reports continue to come out of Chile about his decision to come to MLS rather than sign with Universidad de Chile.

People have asked if it’s possible to get both Carmona and Josef Martinez. There will be complications regarding the international slots as the club is near their allotment of nine (they started with eight and added one more in a trade with the Colorado Rapids). Players that are currently in international slots will either needed to be traded, released, or more slots will be needed. With two more on the way in addition to the potential eleven in international slots now, the front office will have some work to do.

From a salary cap perspective, Carmona’s release from Atalanta makes it possible. A transfer fee would have likely bumped Carmona’s cap hit over the TAM threshold of $1 million per year. Reports have his salary at Atalanta at $750,000 per year. It would be unlikely to see him signed to a larger contract here, TAM should be able to be used in this acquisition.

There are still some moving parts to get everything done, but Atlanta United could be adding two more national team players from South America very shortly.

Domestic

RSL defeats the NY Red Bulls in preseason action on a Jordan Allen goal (Salt Lake Tribune)

Minnesota United drew 1-1 with New England Revolution in a scrimmage in Arizona:

Get to know LA Galaxy and USMNT midfielder Sebastian Lletget (MLS)

DC United stadium issues still dogging the project (Black and Red United)

Chicago will host the MLS All-Star Game in 2017, will it re-energize the fanbase? (Daily Herald)

Sacramento’s MLS expansion bid had unexpected turmoil (Indomitable City Soccer)

San Antonio could be a front runner for MLS expansion (Pitch Black News)

Which cities have the edge in MLS expansion? (Indy Star)

Will Bill Edwards’ lawsuit affect Tampa Bay Rowdies’ chances for expansion? (Tampa Bay Times)

Sunil Gulati says that the tone has changed in the USWNT CBA negotiations (Equalizer Soccer)

International

Jurgen Klopp asks Liverpool fans to keep their nerve (The National)

Local

Tata Martino is pleased with Atlanta United’s progress so far in camp (AJC)