TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Atlanta United have acquired midfielder Franco Ibarra from Argentinos Juniors, the club announced Monday. He will occupy an international roster spot.
Ibarra, 19, is a defensive midfielder who broke through at Argentinos Juniors at the end of 2019 and has made 11 professional appearances thus far. He has also been called into the Argentine U-20 national team.
“Franco has only begun to scratch the surface of his ability and we’re pleased to add a young player of his quality to our group,” VP & technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a club statement. “Although only 19 years old, he already broke through Argentinos Juniors First Team in November and experienced some big matches during their league season. He’s an aggressive, athletic midfielder and we’re excited to watch his development and progression continue at Atlanta United.”
Ibarra is the latest key addition from Argentina this winter. Atlanta hired manager Gabriel Heinze, a former regular with Argentina's national team and began his managerial career in his home country, while Santiago Sosa was officially signed from River Plate last week. Forward Lisandro Lopez has already joined this winter as well.
He bolsters a central midfield group that includes Designated Player Marcelino Moreno, Emerson Hyndman, Sosa, Mo Adams and others.
Ibarra's signing comes after Atlanta traded defensive midfielder Eric Remedi to the San Jose Earthquakes.
