TRANSFER TRACKER: Report
One week after signing right back Anton Walkes from English League One side Portsmouth, Atlanta United could be set to add a left back in Edgar Castillo, according to Doug Roberson of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Castillo, along with ex-Columbus Crew forward Adam Jahn, reportedly trained with Atlanta on Monday and Tuesday.
Castillo, 33, spent the 2019 MLS season with the New England Revolution, though only appeared in 20 matches after suffering broken ribs and a punctured lung in an Aug. 17 draw at the New York Red Bulls.
Castillo is out of contract after New England declined his option, one year after they acquired him via trade from the Colorado Rapids, where he made 28 appearances in 2018. Across both stops, the attack-minded left back provided a combined three goals and 10 assists.
The dual-national has earned 18 caps for the US men’s national team, and also earned four caps for Mexico before making his USMNT debut in 2009. Outside of MLS, he’s accumulated over 300 appearances with eight different Mexican clubs.
Should Atlanta sign Castillo, it’d provide much-needed depth on the left-hand side, with 17-year-old Homegrown signing George Bello the only natural fill-in. Head coach Frank de Boer has identified left back as a position of need, especially with Justin Meram, Brek Shea, Mikey Ambrose and Florentin Pogba all gone from 2019’s group.
“George Bello didn’t play much last season,” De Boer said “ So, it’s very important we don’t put all our money on George to play all season at left fullback. We have to monitor him also. Hopefully he’s doing well and can play 15-20 games. So, we also need cover there."
