Today on The Daily Dirt we take a look at rumors surrounding both Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2, as well as Galaxy and NYCFC. Also, stay till the end for a cool article covering big moment in US Mens Soccer history!

Now...

On to the Dirt.

The Official Unofficial rumor (Tweet) of the day (not daily):

Just to be clear, there is nothing backing this tweet at all. It’s about a player, named Lucas Ozala, who currently plays for Talleres who are in Superliga Argentina. In the rumor listed above it does say 9 million, however that could be in Argentine pesos which would translate to around $465k USD. Also that this move would be in the summer transfer window, not now.

The Uruguayan is listed as a left-back but from what I’ve read (google translated mind you) he does a lot more than the traditional back and is fairly good at free-kicks. Looking more like a Left-Wing-Back in my opinion. He could simply be a backup to Greg Garza, who has had a slew of injuries in his past, or looking to move elsewhere across the pitch.

Remember, the source on this one isn’t that strong so take it with a grain of salt. We’ll keep you all updated if anything more arises.

Possible future members of Atlanta United 2?

It seems as though the front office and coaching staff want a closer look as these two players from Newell’s Old Boys, Tata Martino’s former club. The link between Atlanta United and Newell’s Old Boys will continue to be something to keep a close eye, especially with Martino.

Giovani dos Santos has his eyes on Zlatan Ibrahimovic

By now, the Ibra to LA (Galaxy) rumors are well reported on. Now we have Galaxy player G. dos Santos saying this “It would be like a dream come true,” in response to playing with Ibra in LA. He would go on to say he doesn’t know if it will happen but it “would be huge for our attack.”. For G. dos Santos’ full thoughts on Ibra possibly joining the Galaxy, read up here on ESPN.

Rumor: New York City FC makes a sneaky good signing

A rumor from Ghana-Soccer-Net has Stuttgart’s 22 year-old midfielder, Ebeneer Ofori, set to join NYCFC for a year long loan. Ofori was named the Best Swedish midfielder in 2015 with AIK. Since joining Stuttgart in 2017, he hadn’t gotten much playing time. Coming to New York will be a big step in his development, as he will likely see a lot of playing time, and help NYC chase their MLS Cup hopes.

International:

Not too much going here, except for the fact that Chelsea got demolished 3-0 to Bournemouth.

Oh and also the Januaray transfer window for the Premier League shattered it’s own record of £225 million pounds by spending a mear £419 million this time around. This continues to prove that teams are more willing to wheel and deal in the middle of their season, which is the offseason for MLS teams.

For more on the EPL transfer record, check out this post by Forbes.

MUST READ OF THE DAY (Source: Me)

Last but certainly not least, check out this post over on Stars and Stripes FC. It’s a great history lesson covering the story of Eddie Hawkins breaking the color barrier for the USMNT. For those of us, including me, that are still learning more about soccer and it’s history, this is a good one to know.

Also, make sure to check back daily for over at SSFC for daily Black History Month posts!