Just days after the rumor started, the 27-year-old Nagbe will be heading to Atlanta United in a trade from the Portland Timbers.
Nagbe to Atlanta
The team that never stops making big moves, Atlanta United, are at it once again. This time they are adding another top player. Darlington Nagbe, 27, played mostly on the wing for Portland but also played some as a holding midfielder. Kristian Dyer was first to report the possible move with Atlanta United confirming it earlier this afternoon.
Hearing from multiple sources that Atlanta is looking to acquire Darlington Nagbe... If a deal were to go through then I'm being told it would be for an amount that would eclipse Dom Dwyer's fee to Orlando earlier this year.
— Kristian Dyer (@KristianRDyer) December 11, 2017
U.S. & The A.
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 13, 2017
Welcome to Atlanta, @darlingtonnagbe! pic.twitter.com/e428MsBGYl
Per Timbers, Atlanta will be giving up close to $650,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2018 and $100,000 GAM in 2019 and $300,000 in TAM along with around $500k-$600k in incentives if they were to be reached. Atlanta will also be giving up a 2018 International roster spot.
According to Sam Stejskal of MLSSoccer, Nagbe has been asking for a pay raise from his current salary $550k to around $1 million. Nagbe has been a key piece for the Timbers but his goal numbers haven’t been where many would like (Has had just one 3+ goal season in the past four years). However, his assist numbers have been consistent, with at least 5 assist each season for the past 4 years. Personally, I believe he will thrive under Tata Martino’s high-pressure attack where he will operate with a lot more space.
Creative. Crafty. Composed.@darlingtonnagbe is truly something special. pic.twitter.com/risTVEZRSv
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 13, 2017
Why it makes sense for Atlanta?
Atlanta is also rumored to be selling Carlos Carmona that would get the team 650k in allocation which would cover the chunk of the Nagbe trade in 2018. Nagbe will be a younger and better option to fit the #8 role than Carmona. Linking with Miguel Almiron, Tito Villalba, Josef Martinez, and possibly Ezequiel Barco could make the Atlanta attack, that already scored the 2nd most goals last season (70), the most dynamic attack in the MLS.
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Why it makes sense for Portland?
Portland got hit with the news that Caleb Porter had decided to move on from his position with the Timbers. With a new coach coming in and Nagbe’s rumored salary increase request, trading him away may be their best option. Giving a new coach the league MVP, Diego Valeri, and lots of allocation money to get players for his style.