Barco, Escobar, Remedi no longer occupy international slots in MLS

Atlanta United announced today that Ezequiel Barco, Franco Escobar and Eric Remedi have become U.S. permanent residents and no longer occupy international spots on the club’s roster.

The new designations mean that Atlanta now has only four players categorized as international players, of which MLS teams are permitted to sign up to eight on the 30-man roster. Currently, Pity Martinez, Anton Walkes, Fernando Meza and Luiz Fernando are the only players occupying international slots.

Acquiring green cards for international players is always a good idea for MLS clubs regardless of the situation, but in Atlanta’s case it could indicate that more foreign players are on the way during the transfer window. Frank de Boer identified left back and central midfield as the two positions of most need when he spoke to reporters yesterday. Two Paraguayan players, Santiago Arzamendia and Mathias Villasanti have been heavily linked to moves to MLS and Atlanta in particular.

The news is also a reminder that international slots are overrated.