Barco no longer an Atlanta United player

A clause was hit in the loan agreement between Atlanta United and River Plate for Ezequiel Barco that resulted in the Argentinian club pur- chasing the rights to the player, Atlanta United Pres- ident Garth Lagerwey said Friday. Barco will remain on loan from Atlanta United. The sale will take effect Jan. 1.

Lagerwey wouldn’t say what the trigger was and said no money has been exchanged. He said Atlanta United will not recoup the $15 million it paid for Barco when it purchased his rights from Independiente before the 2018 season. River Plate is paying Barco’s salary. Because Barco is a Young Designated Player, his amortized transfer fee isn’t charged against Atlanta United’s salary bud- get.

Barco made 81 appearances for Atlanta United, with 17 goals and 17 assists. The club won three trophies during his four seasons.

Barco spent last season on loan with River Plate. He also was going to spend this season on loan with the South American giants. Barco has five goals and four assists in 47 appearances for River Plate.

Lagerwey said the loan arrangements for Marcelino Moreno and Edwin Mosquera, who were sent to clubs in Brazil and Argentina this year, do not include similar triggers. Moreno’s salary is being covered by Coritiba. The amortized transfer fee (reportedly $6 million from Lanus during 2020 season) is being charged against Atlanta United’s salary budget. Moreno has at least two years on his contract with Atlanta United. Mosquera was an Under-22 signing who was acquired last season. Like YDPS, acquisition costs for Under-22 signings don’t count against a team’s salary cap.

Lagerwey and Vice President Carlos Bocanegra confirmed the club is still pursuing a third signing. It recently added centerback Luis Abram and Thursday confirmed the acquisition of striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Lagerwey said the club has enough Targeted Allocation Money to make a signing. Bocanegra said if the signing doesn’t happen during this window, it will happen during the summer window. Neither would say what position they are looking to strengthen. Lagerwey said it will be a senior roster player.

Additionally, Erik Lopez rejoined the franchise. Bocanegra said it’s not yet clear if the striker/winger will play for the first team or with Atlanta United 2. Lopez, 21, spent last season on loan with Banfield in Argentina.