Transfer Watch: Are Atlanta United in for Villarreal captain Bruno Soriano?

Bruno Soriano - Villarreal - celebration

The transfer window is open and rumors are starting to fly – even for teams that have not yet stepped foot on an MLS field.


The latest rumor out of Spain, per transfer site Fichajes.net concerns Atlanta United FC and their interest in Villarreal defensive midfielder and captain Bruno Soriano.


The report claims Atlanta are set to pry Soriano away from the club with a big offer for a player who has built a very strong resume during his 12 years as a professional.


The 32-year-old has spent his entire career with Villarreal, first with the B team and for the last decade with their senior squad. In that time, he has made 283 appearances in La Liga and the Spanish second division and scored 20 goals. He received his first call-up to the Spanish national team in 2010 and has earned a total of 10 caps, including two in Spain's recent appearance at Euro 2016.


Atlanta are the league's newest expansion team, set to begin play in the 2017 season. Their roster is being put together by former US international defender and technical director Carlos Bocanegra, and already features four players on the books: goalkeeper Alexandros Tabakis (currently on loan at Charleston), midfielders Junior Burgos (on loan at Tampa Bay) and Andrew Carleton, and forward Jeffrey Otoo.