Former Barcelona Boss Set to Shake Up MLS with Blockbuster Young Star Signing
Atlanta United, managed by Gerardo Martino, are said to be close to completing a transfer for Barcelona youth academy graduate Adrián Gill.
The 20-year-old American youth international completed seven years at Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy. Recent injury setbacks have hampered his progress, preventing him from meaningful participation in the UEFA Youth League triumph achieved by his former teammates last season.
Seeking increased playing opportunities, Gill moved back to his original Spanish club, Cornellà, during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan arrangement. The Catalan team currently leads the Spanish fifth division following relegation the previous term and attracts crowds of merely 1,500 supporters. The transition to Major League Soccer (MLS) would represent a significant step up.
However, this is precisely what Atlanta United have in mind, as initially reported by Mundo Deportivo.
The franchise that placed second-to-last in the Eastern Conference during the previous campaign has once more appointed Argentine coach "Tata" Martino. The 2018 MLS Cup champion with Atlanta also claimed the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami following a single season managing Barcelona during the 2013–14 period.
Seeking to bounce back from last season's disappointing performance, Atlanta have conducted a comprehensive squad restructuring, releasing eight veteran players while simultaneously adding six new signings. What position Gill might occupy in the first-team structure is yet to be determined, though the organization is reportedly "finalizing" terms, according to The Athletic's Tom Bogert.
Gill's family moved from Denver to Spain ten years ago and he was previously regarded as one of the United States' promising prospects. Once drawing comparisons to Andrés Iniesta, the midfielder characterized his playing approach as "versatile."
"I feel at ease collecting the ball in any area of the field," he previously shared with Transfermarkt. "I enjoy setting up scoring chances for my teammates and take pride in my work ethic defensively and my leadership qualities."
In 2022, Gill harbored ambitious aspirations. "My goal is to earn a spot in Barça's first team and represent the United States in the 2026 World Cup," he stated. It seems highly improbable that the Atlanta-bound Under-17 international will accomplish either objective this year.
Barcelona's Sale of La Masia Graduates
Barcelona's Sale of La Masia Graduates
Gill's anticipated departure pales in comparison to the most significant academy exit Barcelona are preparing for this month. Dro Fernández's projected move to Paris Saint-Germain has generated considerable frustration from head coach Hansi Flick.
Unlike Gill, Dro had already earned his senior team debut following strong performances during last summer's preseason campaign. Nevertheless, allegedly dissatisfied with limited regular playing chances, the 18-year-old appears destined to join the current European titleholders.
Flick expressed his displeasure. "My focus is on everyday training sessions," the German manager stated firmly when discussing the minutes given to the club's continuous flow of young prospects.
"When players join us with talent, we develop a strategy to observe their training, output, and mindset, to determine their professionalism ... We're a major club, and earning playing time isn't simple. That's obvious. But each training session improves these players. This is the standard procedure, and when they merit playing time, naturally they'll receive it.
"My preference is for everyone to remain."
In some respects, Barcelona are experiencing the consequences of their academy's excellence. Compelled to depend on youth players during the ongoing financial difficulties at the club, players like Fermín López, Pau Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal have become such integral parts of the senior team that their academy colleagues have minimal chances to establish themselves.
Marc Guiu chose to transfer to Chelsea last summer when confronted with this intense competition for positions, and Dro might not be the final player to pursue a similar route.