Atlanta United: Way too early offseason predictions

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 01: MLS All-Stars forward Josef Martinez (17) celebrates his goal with MLS All-Stars midfielder Tyler Adams (2) and fans in action during the MLS All-Star game between the MLS All-Stars and Juventus FC on August 1, 2018 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 04: Atlanta’s Hector Villalba (15) moves the ball up the field during the match between Atlanta United and Toronto FC on August 4th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC played to a 2 2 draw. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Hector Villalba

Hector Villalba is not putting up the same numbers as last year, so I think the chances of him leaving Atlanta are extremely slim. That being said, another MLS team may ask about Villalba and try to make a trade, though I don’t see Atlanta parting ways with the Argentine.

Villalba signed with Atlanta as a Designated Player but was bought down with TAM (Targeted Allocation Money) before this season began to make room for Ezequiel Barco. Because of this, I don’t think many teams in MLS will be looking to steal Villalba away. His worth may simply be too high. Only teams that spend a lot of money, such as LAFC, Toronto, or Seattle, can make a bid for Villalba, and I don’t see Atlanta willing to deal him to those teams.

I do think Villalba will attract a couple of offers from outside the US. I can see a Liga MX team inquiring about Villalba or maybe a South American club since he is from Argentina. Ultimately, however, I do not think Atlanta will move him, at least not during this offseason.

Prediction: Villalba stays with Atlanta, but will be pursued by other MLS teams and at least one team from Liga MX.

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