Flamengo keen to bring in Ezequiel Barco on loan | OneFootball

According to journalist César Luis Merlo, both Flamengo and Internacional are interested in bringing in Atlanta United attacker Ezequiel Barco on loan with an option to buy.

The 22-year-old, who is a two-time Major League Soccer All-Star, had his best professional season in 2021, contributing seven goals and eight assists in 23 games.

Despite Flamengo being one of the biggest clubs in the world, the Argentine has stated on multiple occasions that his main goal is to play in Europe.

Atlanta United find themselves in a precarious situation as they must offload one of their Designated Players this offseason in order to make space for Thiago Almada, who Atlanta purchased from Vélez Sarsfield for an MLS-record $16m.

Atlanta United reportedly paid a then-MLS record $13.5m to Independiente for Barco ahead of the 2018 season.

With Barco’s contract expiring at the end of the year, it’s now or never if Atlanta wish to recoup any part of the eight-figure fee.