Rumor: Racing Club interested in Franco Escobar

Silly season continues on even with the flurry of recent moves made by Atlanta United. A report out of Argentina by TyC Sports states that Racing Club have identified Franco Escobar as a possible signing this winter.

New Racing manager Sebastian Beccacece has added Escobar as one of three targets to bring in to help with the right side of his team’s defense. According to the report, the other names on that list include Boca Juniors’ Leonardo Jara who spent last season on-loan with D.C. United and San Lorezno defender Marcelo Herrera.

Beccacece told the Argentine media that Jara was the primary target but that securing him from Boca Juniors would be difficult. With the recent turnover in Atlanta’s roster would they be willing to let the 24-year-old go for the right price? It remains to be seen.

These two clubs have a bit of history negotiating with one another. Before Josef Martinez arrived as the team’s third Designated Player in 2017, Atlanta appeared ready to sign Paraguayan midfielder Oscar Romero from Racing. Ultimately, the player balked at the move, deciding to take the money from a Chinese club.

Escobar has been with the club for two years, signing in December of 2017 from Newell’s Old Boys. He’s been a fixture in Atlanta’s lineups since arriving and has won the affection of the fan base thanks to his clutch performances in two playoff runs, including the second goal in the team’s MLS Cup 2018 victory.

Common sense would say that the club is too close to competitive matches to lose yet another important starter. However, with the way things are trending currently, anything is possible at this point. I wouldn’t worry too much, but it’s something to keep an eye on considering the level of source TyC has been in the past regarding transfers of Atlanta’s Argentine contingent.

Have your say below on this rumor.