Transfer Tracker

Reports: Brian Rodriguez, Ezequiel Barco linked to Brazilian Serie A loans

TRANSFER_B-ROD-BARCO

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Reports

Brazilian Serie A side Internacional reportedly have LAFC forward Brian Rodriguez and Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco on their transfer wish list.

Itā€™s unclear if Interā€™s intent is to sign one of the attackers, or if they're keen to land both, with both offers reportedly one-year loan deals with purchase options.

According to reports out of Brazil, Rodriguez is enticed by the offer but is also weighing interest from Europe. Last year, the 21-year-old Uruguayan international was loaned to Spanish second-division club UD Almeria.

Rodriguez was signed by LAFC as a Young Designated Player in August 2019 from PeƱarol, following in the footsteps of Diego Rossi. Rodriguez has scored six goals and added nine assists across 41 MLS regular-season games.

Barcoā€™s departure from Atlanta United has been long-rumored, as has their reported signing of 20-year-old midfielder Thiago Almada from Velez Sarsfield.

Should Almada arrive this transfer window, the Five Stripes would need to shed a Designated Player. And with striker Josef Martinez and winger Luiz Araujo holding DP status as well, Barco could be on the outs.

The 22-year-old, who has been loosely linked with European clubs during his time with Atlanta, has 17g/17a in 81 MLS regular-season appearances.

Barco was signed from Argentine squad Independiente in January 2018 for a then-MLS record transfer fee of $15 million.