TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Report
As reports around Gabriel Heinze becoming the next Atlanta United head coach continue, the Argentine has reportedly lined up Boca Juniors midfielder Agustin Almendra as an early transfer target.
Felipe Cardenas of The Athletic and Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo have both reported that the 20-year-old center mid would potentially join Heinze with the Five Stripes.
Almendra emerged as a reported loan target for Inter Miami CF this past season, but a deal never materialized. The Argentine youth international was then linked to clubs in the New York City and Los Angeles markets, so he’s no stranger to MLS interest.
Almendra has two goals and two assists in 33 games for Boca Juniors since making his debut during the 2017-18 season. But he’s reportedly fallen out of favor with the Xeneizes coaching staff, potentially opening the door for an exit to Atlanta United. Almendra has also made five appearances for Argentina’s U-20s, including one nod at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Atlanta United currently have all three Designated Player slots filled by forward Josef Martinez and attacking midfielders Ezequiel Barco and Marcelino Moreno. So if Almendra were to join the 2018 MLS Cup champions at his current market value, the roster situation could need some shuffling.
Either way, the move seems to hinge on Heinze coming to MLS after departing Velez Sarsfield earlier this year. The Five Stripes missed the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, with interim manager Stephen Glass taking charge after the club parted ways with Frank de Boer following the MLS is Back Tournament.
