TRANSFER RUMORS: Bid made for U22 fullback; interest in former Argentina NT midfielder
The rumors are flying around South America.
Silly season is in full swing for Atlanta United. While no incoming moves have officially been made, the return of Tata Martino has shifted the South American transfer rumor mill into overdrive.
This week, we saw several notable developments emerge. However, we’re going to focus on the two most credible ones to try and weed out the noise until it’s worth highlighting.
Both of these rumors come from respected Argentine journalist Germán García Grova.
On Saturday morning, he claims that Atlanta United has made a formal offer for left-back Elías Báez from San Lorenzo.
Báez turned 21 in October and will undoubtedly occupy a U22 initiative slot if acquired.
While there are no details on Atlanta’s offer, earlier reports suggest that San Lorenzo wants a transfer fee of around $4 million.
Supposedly, River Plate were also interested in signing the youngster, but were priced out of a deal.
It seems a little suspect that the club would pay that amount of money for a left-back when they struggled so mightily in attack last season. But crazier things have happened around these parts.
Another link to Atlanta popped up earlier this week when García Grova revealed that 39-year-old, soon-to-be-free-agent Enzo Pérez could be an option when his contract runs out later this month.
Pérez is a legend of Argentinian soccer, spending most of the last eight seasons with River Plate, winning the controversial 2019 Copa Libertadores title with the club. Before joining River, he spent time in Europe with Benfica and Valencia. He’s also appeared 26 times for the Argentina national team, with his last cap coming in 2018.
He’s at the end of his career. Perhaps Tata could envision a role for the midfielder in his new regime. At 39 years of age, it’s obviously a risky signing if it comes to fruition. However, as a free agent pickup, there are worse risks to take.
This rumor seems less concrete than the former link, but it is one to keep an eye on.