TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
In 2018, Atlanta United broke the Major League Soccer transfer record by signing Ezequiel Barco on a reported fee of $15 million. A year later, Atlanta broke their own record by signing Pity Martinez for a reported $17 million.
Reportedly, they're ready to break the record for a third time.
According to Gazeta Esportiva, Atlanta United have made a 17 million euros ($19 million) bid for Venezuelan star Yeferson Soteldo of Santos in Brazil. Santos' club president confirmed there had been a bid for the player but that the valuation was much lower than they rate their player.
"He's a valuable player because he's entertaining and dribbles. He is our little thumb," Santos club president José Carlos Peres reportedly told Santa Cecilia TV. "Everyone wants Soteldo. He's not going, I can guarantee it. We have a proposal of 17 million euros and we own 50 percent of his economic rights. He will only leave for 50 million euros."
Soteldo, 21, has made 20 appearances for the Venezuelan national team and is currently with his country at the Copa America. He joined Santos in January and has a goal in eight league appearances. He starred for Club Universidad de Chile prior to Santos, where he had five goals and seven assists.
With Barco, Pity Martinez and Soteldo's countryman Josef Martinez occupying all three Designated Player slots, Atlanta United would have to make a move before adding another player for such a fee.
