Record deal: Independiente signals Barco's move to MLS's Atlanta United
- by Paul Kennedy @pkedit, Jan 13, 2018
Llegaste como un chico. Te formaste en la pensión y te vas como un hombre campeón.
Todo pasa, la gloria es eterna.
¡Gracias y éxitos, Ezequiel!#TodoRojo pic.twitter.com/37EhUPVfUr
— C. A. Independiente (@Independiente) January 12, 2018
Citing sources, ESPN reported Independiente agreed to sell Barco for $15 million -- which would shatter the record for an MLS transfer fee -- plus 30 percent of any future transfer before Dec. 2019, or 10 percent if Atlanta United sells him after that.
Barco's penalty kick gave Independiente a 1-1 tie against Brazil's Flamengo at Maracana Stadium that clinched the 2017 Copa Sudamericana title, 3-2, on aggregate in the final.
Independiente was a giant of Argentine and South American soccer in the 1960s and 1970s but only now enjoying a resurgence.
Independiente sent Barco a farewell message: "You came here a boy, you grew up in the pension and you leave a champion. Everything can happen, but glory is eternal. Thanks and the best of luck, Ezequiel!"
The usaul path for South American youth players with "potential" is through the Dutch league as a stepping stone to big Euro-clubs. Tata must have been a big influence on Barco's decision. Barco better get ready for a tough physical experience in the MLS.