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Transfer Rumors: Ezequiel Barco Frustrated with Independiente

By Liam Pettit

Argentina's Independiente forward Ezequiel Barco reacts after missing a goal opportunity against Brazil's Chapecoense during their Copa Sudamericana round before the quarterfinals first leg football match at Libertadores de America stadium in Buenos Aires on September 21, 2016. / AFP / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina's Independiente forward Ezequiel Barco reacts after missing a goal opportunity against Brazil's Chapecoense during their Copa Sudamericana round before the quarterfinals first leg football match at Libertadores de America stadium in Buenos Aires on September 21, 2016. / AFP / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Ezequiel Barco has taken action into his own hands by not practicing with the team, after Independiente turned down two offers from Atlanta United.

Atlanta United have been chasing after 18-year-old starlet Ezequiel Barco. Barco is a dazzling Argentine CAM who plays for Independiente in Argentina’s Primera Division. Without a doubt, Barco is one of the most exciting teenagers in World Football. Barco has pace, flash and a great right foot that would set MLS ablaze.

Question is will he ever see a black and red uniform at all?

Two Rejected Offers

Back in November, rumors of another young South American to Atlanta picked up some traction. Turns out Atlanta United was very serious about Independiente’s #10 and was willing to smash an MLS record to scoop him up. Atlanta put a $12 million offer on the table to acquire Barco, but Independiente saw the offer as way too low.

Independiente obviously rates the youngster very highly, so an offer like that is way too high for an MLS club right? Well, not if you’re Darren Eales who has the deep pockets of Arthur Blank to work with. According to Clarin Deportes, Atlanta United’s second declined offer included a $12 million transfer fee as well as objective-based payments.

The offer included:

  • $12,000,000 in an initial transfer fee
  • $1,000,000 after 2017
  • Independiente will receive 30% of his future sale IF he is sold before the end of 2019.
  • $500,000 if Barco plays in at least 6 games, $1,000,000 if he plays in at least 12 games in the 2019 & 2020 season.
  • $500,000 if Barco is MLS’ Leading Goal Scorer and another $500,000 if Atlanta United wins MLS Cup.

This deal did not thrill Independiente’s President Hugo Moyana.

A $24 Million Transfer would nearly triple Atlanta’s Transfer Fee For Almiron

Barco had an incredible series of games specifically in Independiente’s Copa Sudamericana run which saw them crowned as champions. Moyana sights Barco’s recent form for his increased market value. Barco scored 2 goals and delivered 2 assists in the competition, including a penalty which won the tie for Independiente against Flamengo.

Though, Independiente may have other offers or inquiries for the playmaker and are using Atlanta United’s offer to set a base offer that another club must reach.

Or, they know MLS clubs, in particular, are hungry for young South American players and are pushing to see how much they can receive for Barco.

Currently, $24 million transfer fee is way too high for any MLS team to pay straight up.

Next: LAFC looking in Portugal for final Designated Player

Barco is now no longer practicing with the team in order to force a deal. This has to be encouraging to many Atlanta United fans and MLS fans alike.  The fact that a highly sought after player is sitting out of practice to force a move to MLS speaks volumes. Or it could be that Barco, much like Miguel Almiron, relishes the opportunity to play for Argentinian coaching legend Tata Martino. Either way, MLS is becoming a desired location for foreign youth talent.

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