GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Jonathan Bornstein's on-again, off-again loan move to Atlante from Tigres UANL took another twist on Saturday when, following a friendly between the two teams, Atlante coach Ricardo La Volpe appeared to rule out the American joining.
“He's not coming,” La Volpe bluntly stated, adding, “We've worked on it, I consider him a great player and that's why we went for him, but if the directors think that he is expensive and couldn't sort out the contract situation, we will look to use the money for a player from abroad.”
The statement leaves Bornstein, who played the second half of Tigres' 1-0 victory over Atlante, in a quandary, with the clubs having agreed the loan deal in principle at the Mexican draft on June 6.
Bornstein would not be able to move to another club in Mexico, as the draft acts as a transfer deadline for players moving between Mexican clubs. But he could move to a club outside the country.
According to reports, there has previously been interest from MLS and European teams in the 27-year-old Los Angeles-area native, though he could also stay at Tigres, who need depth for a packed schedule that includes CONCACAF Champions League action.
Mexican clubs have until July 10 to register players for the upcoming season, meaning that a deal with Atlante could still be struck, at least in principle.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America. Contact him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
