TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Atlanta United are nearing a deal for Argentinos Juniors midfielder Franco Ibarra, according to a report from Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.
Ibarra, 19, is still a prospect in most respects, making 11 appearances for the Argentine Primera Division side. He mainly plays as a defensive midfielder, though can also feature further upfield.
The report comes after the Five Stripes landed Gabriel Heinze as their head coach, with the former Argentina national team defender arriving after leading Velez Sarsfield. His home-country connections also have Atlanta United reportedly set to sign veteran forward Lisandro Lopez.
Should Ibarra come to Atlanta, he’d join compatriots Eric Remedi, Marcelino Moreno and Ezequiel Barco on the roster. Moreno and Barco are both Designated Players, while defenders Fernando Meza and Franco Escobar also hail from the South American country.
The Five Stripes are entering their fifth MLS season and are looking to return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. They won MLS Cup in 2018,
