Middlesbrough reportedly rejected Atlanta United’s last-minute attempt to add Brad Guzan early

According to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl, Atlanta United were attempting to make a big move ahead of Monday’s MLS transfer deadline. The Five Stripes apparently contacted Middlesbrough in a last-ditch attempt to bring over Brad Guzan and add him to their active roster immediately. Boro were officially relegated from the Premier League after a loss to Chelsea on Monday in which Guzan conceded three goals.

Unfortunately, according to Wahl’s sources, Middlesbrough chief executive Neil Bausor decided against letting the USMNT goalkeeper leave early and join Atlanta United.

Guzan will now have to wait until the Major League Soccer summer transfer window opens on July 10 to play his first match for his new club. The Illinois native signed a pre-contract with Atlanta United in January, but is still property of Middlesbrough until his contract with them officially expires this summer. They could’ve opted to release him from that contract, but for some reason declined to do so even though their fate is sealed.

This means that Alec Kann will likely remain the starting goalkeeper for the next three months barring injury or a horrendous run of form. The 26-year-old has started all nine of Atlanta’s league matches this season, posting a 63% save percentage.