Atlanta United Set to Sign Out-of-Favour Barcelona Youngster

Major League Soccer side Atlanta United are close to signing Barcelona youngster Adrian Gill, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

Former Barcelona manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has asked the MLS club to sign the out-of-favour midfielder.

Adrian Gill Could Join Atlanta United from Barcelona

Adrian Gill, born in Denver, United States, is nearing his return to his country. Atlanta United are pushing for the move after being impressed with his performances in the last couple of months.

Gill was initially expected to follow in the footsteps of Pedri and Gavi and become a regular in the Barcelona first team. However, several injuries have stalled his development, and there is little hope for him to return to the first-team track.

Last season, he suffered a serious knee injury, which left him without a place in the squad this season. According to MD, this is why Barcelona only gave him a contract extension until June 2026.

Sources: Atlanta United is finalizing a deal to sign USYNT midfielder Adrián Gill from Barcelona. @mundodeportivo 1st.

Gill, 20, has progressed through Barcelona’s academy.

Hits Atlanta’s salary cap on supplemental roster. pic.twitter.com/5WlvmzP1cd

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 22, 2026

In November, he joined Cornella on loan and delivered some fine performances, convincing Atlanta United to make a move.

Atlanta are in advanced talks with the player and club, and the transfer seems imminent. Since they are signing Gill before his contract expires in June, the MLS side are prepared to pay a nominal transfer fee.

Tata Martino believes Gill’s injuries have made him an undervalued asset and is confident that he will be able to secure a place in Atlanta’s midfield.

Multiple Barca Players Leaving Club in January

Barcelona are overseeing several departures in the January transfer window.

Before the Champions League clash against Slavia Prague, Hansi Flick confirmed Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s move to Girona.

Barca Atletic defenders Mamadou Mbacke and Andres Cuenca are set to leave the club by the end of January.

Dro Fernandez has handed in a transfer request and is closing in on a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Unlike Cuenca and Mbacke, Fernandez had a clear path to first-team football. His decision to still leave the Catalan capital has caused quite a stir, with Hansi Flick reportedly upset about the move.

Hansi Flick is very disappointed with Dro Fernández’ decision, to the point that he has told his entourage that he has suffered “the biggest disappointment” of his life. [@sport] pic.twitter.com/L3iGZlXHPh

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 16, 2026

There has been speculation that Luis Enrique convinced Dro to move to PSG, but the Spanish manager has reserved his comments.

Finally, Barcelona first-teamer Marc Casado has been linked with Atletico Madrid. Los Rojiblancos have identified him as a transfer target after selling Conor Gallagher to Tottenham Hotspur.

Offloading so many youth-team players has allowed Barca to import fresh talent. Egypt U17 international Hamza Abdelkarim and Norwich City’s Ajay Tavares are set to join the club imminently.