Dirty South Soccer - Ezequiel Barco to Atlanta United Transfer Rumors and NewsYour best source for Atlanta United news, analysis, rumors, and banter.2018-01-19T15:05:01-05:00http://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/rss/stream/165543592018-01-19T15:05:01-05:002018-01-19T15:05:01-05:00Ezequiel Barco is Atlanta’s new No. 8
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<p>The new signing has a beautiful single-digit number on the shirt.</p> <p id="4XOdwQ">#Barcowatch has finally ended, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> has its new No. 8. </p>
<p id="icYamT">Atlanta United finally announced the much-anticipated signing of Ezequiel Barco Friday afternoon just after the team concluded its participation in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. Here is how the club announced the news of the signing:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome aboard, <a href="https://twitter.com/EzeBarco10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EzeBarco10</a>. <a href="https://t.co/C3aK1DWsD0">pic.twitter.com/C3aK1DWsD0</a></p>— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/954433354614665216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a>
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<p id="LgMK0O">Barco’s new number isn’t the most conventional for a player who will likely play around the box and on the wings, but his talent is very much deserving of a much-desired single-digit squad number on the back of his shirt. It looks pretty damn good imo. Darren Eales spoke of his delight in securing the Argentine playmaker in a press release following the announcement.</p>
<p id="mZM5Mi">“Securing a player of Ezequiel’s caliber is another significant moment in Atlanta United history,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “This transfer further demonstrates the commitment of our club to bring top level, dynamic young players to Atlanta and to MLS. We are excited to welcome Ezequiel to our club and our city.”</p>
<p id="Sh6wNF">Welcome our new No. 8!</p>
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https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2018/1/19/16910758/ezequiel-barcos-atlanta-united-squad-number-revealedJoe Patrick2018-01-19T14:20:44-05:002018-01-19T14:20:44-05:00OFFICIAL: Atlanta United signs Ezequiel Barco for record fee
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<figcaption>Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s finally done.</p> <p id="jkAQPK">One of MLS’s most interesting and contentious transfer sagas is finally over. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> officially announced today that 18-year-old Independiente midfielder Ezequiel Barco will join the club via international transfer as a Young Designated Player. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome aboard, <a href="https://twitter.com/EzeBarco10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EzeBarco10</a>. <a href="https://t.co/C3aK1DWsD0">pic.twitter.com/C3aK1DWsD0</a></p>— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATLUTD/status/954433354614665216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a>
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<p id="ssxeK3">The precise transfer fee is unknown, but has been widely reported to be upwards of an MLS record $15 million - not including incentives. Barco has appeared in 57 matches across all competitions since joining Independiente’s senior team for the 2016-17 season. In the second leg of the Copa Sudamericana final, he converted a decisive 40th-minute penalty away to Flamengo to help lift <em>el Rojo</em> to a 3-2 victory on aggregate and its second cup title. Barco is listed at attacking midfielder, but can easily be slotted as a potential replacement for <span>Yamil Asad</span> at left wing where he can join <span>Josef Martinez</span>, <span>Miguel Almiron</span> and <span>Tito Villalba</span> in what should be one of the most dynamic attacking corps in the league. </p>
<p id="EtB7JE">“Securing a player of Ezequiel’s caliber is another significant moment in Atlanta United history,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “This transfer further demonstrates the commitment of our club to bring top level, dynamic young players to Atlanta and to MLS. We are excited to welcome Ezequiel to our club and our city.”</p>
<p id="OwnoZp">One thing that should rightfully raise eyebrows is the amount of money that Atlanta United are paying for Barco as it is set to join <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> in the eight-figure transfer club. The club is betting big on the fact that it can further develop him on his path to stardom, while eventually commanding a high return when European clubs come calling within the next couple of years. Will it turn out to be money well spent or a swing and a miss by the front office? Time will tell.</p>
<p id="O8ylyS">“It speaks to the type of club that we’re becoming that Ezequiel chose to sign with our club over several European competitors,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “As one of the top young players in South America who has been a fixture in the Argentinian youth national team setup, we’re elated that he’s decided to continue his career in Atlanta.”</p>
<p id="jmDc0T">Atlanta have made some dynamic moves thus far this offseason, from acquiring U.S. international <span>Darlington Nagbe</span> in a trade with Portland, to signing Franco Escobar from Newell’s Old Boys to the States to strengthen its back line, to now purchasing Barco. Darren Eales and the front office are certainly positioning Atlanta as a club that can take the next step and make a legitimate challenge for MLS Cup in 2018.</p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/atlanta-united-fc/2018/1/19/16775436/ezequiel-barco-atlanta-united-signs-independiente-transfer-officialSydney Hunte2018-01-12T10:42:56-05:002018-01-12T10:42:56-05:00Report: Atlanta United, Independiente agree to terms on Ezequiel Barco transfer
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<figcaption>Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>oh boy.</p> <p id="WCUdTv">At long last, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. <a href="https://twitter.com/SC_ESPN/status/951832298378457088?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Em5%7Ctwgr%5Eemail%7Ctwcon%5E7046%7Ctwterm%5E3">ESPN SportsCenter</a> is reporting that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> and Independiente have finally agreed on a deal that will bring Ezequiel Barco to MLS. Details of the agreement include a $15 million transfer fee and 30% of a future sale until the end of 2019, but only 10% if sold in either 2020 or 2021. John E. Rojas, an MLS reporter close to the situation, is also <a href="https://twitter.com/jrojasa75/status/951837248298741760?ref_src=twcamp%5Eshare%7Ctwsrc%5Em5%7Ctwgr%5Eemail%7Ctwcon%5E7046%7Ctwterm%5E3">reporting</a> that Barco’s contract with Atlanta is good for four years and that he is not allowed to play in Argentina again until 2022 or 2023. All terms were agreed upon after Atlanta threatened to walk away from negotiations.</p>
<p id="sQj9nd">The future sales fee appeared to be the most disputed detail of this transfer saga, but both sides look to have compromised. </p>
<p id="7Jp54u">Stay tuned the next few days, as the soccer world waits patiently for Darren Eales to tweet a boat emoji. </p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2018/1/12/16883004/report-atlanta-united-independiente-agree-to-terms-on-ezequiel-barco-transferHaris Kruskic2018-01-05T13:22:46-05:002018-01-05T13:22:46-05:00Report: Independiente lower their asking price for Ezequiel Barco
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<figcaption>Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Is a deal near? </p> <p id="gBAiSX">After Ezequiel Barco held out of training for the second straight day, Independiente’s brass has reportedly met with manager Ariel Holan and have decided to lower their asking price for the 18-year-old attacker. </p>
<p id="7MX34m"><a href="http://www.tycsports.com/futbol/hay-contraoferta-por-barco">According to TyC Sports in Argentina,</a> the club have sent a counter-offer to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> for the sum of $15 million after originally stating that they’d take no less than $20 million and some reports having their target set at $24 million. </p>
<p id="aZRxOD">While $15 million seems a very reasonable fee for a player of Barco’s talent and potential there’s still a matter of the add-ons of the deal. Specifically the sell-on percentage, or the amount of money Independiente would receive in return if Atlanta sells Barco to another team. Reports had Atlanta offering 30 percent if Barco is sold by 2019, but Independiente turned that offer down. Could they be seeking more or a guaranteed return without an expiration date? It seems likely. </p>
<p id="nSrf71">These are positive steps towards a resolution to this crazy transfer saga. Are we getting close to the boat sailing up to our shores? Hopefully so. Stay tuned... </p>
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https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2018/1/5/16854834/ezequiel-barco-transfer-rumors-news-transfer-fee-atlanta-united-mlsRob Usry2018-01-04T18:07:53-05:002018-01-04T18:07:53-05:00Darren Eales hints at more Atlanta United transfers this offseason
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<figcaption>Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Is it Barco? Is it Asad? Is it someone else? Moves are there to be made, according to the Prez. </p> <p id="Y5kcp3">Darren Eales revealed to 92.9 The Game’s Dukes and Bell that <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> are probably not finished making moves in the transfer market during this offseason. </p>
<p id="bTVRwb">After the additions of <span>Darlington Nagbe</span>, Franco Escobar, <span>Jose Hernandez</span> and retaining <span>Greg Garza</span> on a permanent deal, Eales said on Thursday that the club is still looking to improve itself. </p>
<p id="Rf8B7Y">While dodging repeated questions of the club’s involvement in the Ezequiel Barco transfer saga, Eales threw out a subtle hint that some more moves could be on the way before the Five Stripes’ second season gets underway. </p>
<blockquote><p id="2fjTmQ">“I don’t think our transfer work is done for this window,” Eales said. “So, keep watching and you never know.” </p></blockquote>
<p id="3VEcGb">Eales was also asked about Yamil Asad’s future with the club and admitted that he would love to bring the Argentine winger back, but that the club is hamstrung by salary cap issues and roster mechanisms. He did mention that he would love to bring Asad back if it made financial sense for the club. </p>
<p id="LZXuFD">The whole interview is worth listening to as Darren is as eloquent as always. <a href="http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2018/01/04/darren-eales-interview-on-dukes-and-bell-1-4/">You can listen to it right here. </a></p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2018/1/4/16851730/darren-eales-hints-at-more-atlanta-united-transfers-this-offseasonRob Usry2018-01-03T21:07:28-05:002018-01-03T21:07:28-05:00Ezequiel Barco is reportedly holding out of training
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<figcaption>Photo credit should read MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Independiente playmaker is taking drastic measures to force his transfer to Atlanta</p> <p id="BreLI1">The latest chapter of #BarcoWatch has taken a very interesting turn — the teenage dynamo is reportedly refusing to train with Independiente, according to Fox Sports Argentina, in an effort to force his move to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a>. </p>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">CONFLICTO EN PUERTA<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FSRadioSur?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FSRadioSur</a> | Ezequiel Barco no se presentaría al entrenamiento de Independiente, en reclamo por su transferencia a la MLS. <a href="https://t.co/YRfsT3PcUy">pic.twitter.com/YRfsT3PcUy</a></p>— FOX Sports Argentina (@FOXSportsArg) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsArg/status/948699844930977793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a>
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<p id="xtaWvX">“Ezequiel Barco will not be attending Independiente’s training to force his transfer (or in protest of his transfer) to the MLS.”</p>
<p id="RNZueb">*translation by Jesmary Lorenzo</p>
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<p id="FU95Qz">Barco’s refusal to train is a juicy development that will turn the screws on Independiente to agree to a transfer. It’s solid evidence that the player is very unhappy with his current situation. Reports have emanated from Buenos Aires in recent days and weeks that Barco was unhappy with his club’s apparent moving of the goalposts regarding his transfer fee. The holdout is evidence of this to the first degree.</p>
<p id="HTB9aL">There will be more chapters to this saga. Independiente will likely fine Barco his weekly wages for not showing up. If they do, and he continues to hold out, it’s further evidence of not only his willingness to move to Atlanta, but of the enormous pay raise he will be receiving in Atlanta. If he’s willing to get fined, then there must be some economic incentive for him to do so.</p>
<p id="i83cxh">Join us tomorrow for the next episode of this dramatic telenovela. We may be approaching a joyful finale.</p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2018/1/3/16848038/ezequiel-barco-is-reportedly-holding-out-of-trainingJoe Patrick2018-01-03T10:15:02-05:002018-01-03T10:15:02-05:00Barco reportedly furious after Independiente reject another Atlanta United offer
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<figcaption>Photo credit should read MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>This is getting a bit ridiculous... </p> <p id="T2uebX">Barco Watch is slowly devolving into Barco Madness as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a> have reportedly had another improved, incentive-laden transfer offer for the 18-year-old rejected by Independiente. </p>
<p id="oWSgjO"><a href="https://www.clarin.com/deportes/futbol/independiente/detalles-oferta-impactante-ezequiel-barco-independiente-rechazo_0_HJ5BsoFQz.html">Reputable South American news outlet Clarin reports</a> that Barco is very angry after his club have rejected Atlanta’s second reported offer that features several, easily-attainable add-ons. </p>
<p id="24sBnS">Here’s an overall outline of what Atlanta’s offer entailed: </p>
<p id="K4opKF">$14 million in guaranteed money, plus $3 million in bonuses for objectives + 30% of future sale if it's before the end of 2019. Bonuses would include $12 million at the time of the sale, $1 million in a year’s time, $500,000 if he appears in six games in 2019, $1 million more if he plays six in 2020 and $500,000 each if he scores a goal in MLS and Atlanta wins MLS Cup. </p>
<p id="6NQ0zM">Despite the greatly increased sell-on percentage and added bonuses, Independiente are said to not be impressed by the offer and don’t think it’s much different from the original one. $24 million is the price tag they are said to be wanting for Barco. </p>
<p id="8vJlRi">Clarin says that Barco will meet with his representatives and decide what action to take from here. They also speculate that he and his team could put pressure on the team’s ownership to sell him. </p>
<p id="0svcAe">Where does this leave us? Waiting. We’ll have to wait and see how each party reacts to this latest rejection. Stay tuned... </p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/atlanta-united-fc-rumors/2018/1/3/16844850/ezequiel-barco-reportedly-furious-after-independiente-reject-another-atlanta-united-offerRob Usry2017-12-26T19:34:15-05:002017-12-26T19:34:15-05:00Report: ATLUTD’s bid for Barco rejected; Independiente want double
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<p>Welp. </p> <p id="qqFRim">Independiente Vice President Pablo Moyano went on FOX Sports Argentina on Tuesday to give some updates about the club. He confirmed that they have rejected <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a>’s $12 million bid for Ezequiel Barco and have countered with a $24 million price tag. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Moyano: "The offer of $12M for Barco was rejected. I think it has been raised but still doesn't satisfy Independiente." <a href="https://t.co/sRXjMBK1lI">pic.twitter.com/sRXjMBK1lI</a></p>— Independiente in Eng (@CAI_english) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAI_english/status/945803343477264384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Moyano: "After the Maracaná, Barco is worth much more. We talk to the people in Atlanta & replied with an offer of $24M for 100%." <a href="https://t.co/foVJJ1YQX9">pic.twitter.com/foVJJ1YQX9</a></p>— Independiente in Eng (@CAI_english) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAI_english/status/945808194173054976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2017</a>
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<p id="260tpS">It appears that Independiente’s and specifically Barco’s success in the Copa Sudamericana has severely altered the club’s valuation of their top prospect. The question now becomes, will Atlanta up their offer more or pull out? It seems very unlikely that they’ll reach the $24 million price tag put on him, but they could try and up their original offer. </p>
<p id="1tm0oj">If they decide not to and move on, they have at least a month to bring in a new player before the preseason starts. Time is on their side, so there’s really no need to panic. As for Independiente, are they willing to risk not getting any money for Barco? There doesn’t appear to be any other offers on the table and are asking for twice as much money from Atlanta. </p>
<p id="VMxdVQ">This saga doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon unless Atlanta go out and sign someone else or Barco is sold to another club. Stay tuned, I guess... </p>
https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2017/12/26/16820502/report-atlanta-uniteds-bid-for-ezequiel-barco-rejected-independiente-want-twice-as-much-moneyRob Usry