Rating Atlanta United rumors

Atlanta United midfielder Carlos Carmona (14) looks to pass while being defended by Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) during a MLS game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Atlanta.  BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

Credit: Branden Camp

Credit: Branden Camp

Atlanta United midfielder Carlos Carmona (14) looks to pass while being defended by Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) during a MLS game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017, in Atlanta. BRANDEN CAMP/SPECIAL

It’s time for a new feature because I’ve reached the end of my rope with rumors involving either potential or soon-to-be-ex Atlanta United players.

Carlos Carmona to Colo-Colo. This one originated last year, was debunked, but popped back up again this weekend. The report says that Carmona would return to his native Chile and would be introduced by Colo-Colo on Monday.

Carmona, a 30-year-old defensive midfielder, was a key piece of the squad last year. His skill at reading and breaking up counter-attacks is crucial to Gerardo Martino’s high-pressing tactics because there are frequently times in games that Atlanta United will be counter-attacked and face superior numbers.

Though Chile is his home, and where Carmona was married last year, it seems unlikely that he would move less than a year after coming from Italy to Atlanta United, Atlanta and MLS.

I’ve again been told this doesn’t seem likely, and that was before the team traded for Darlington Nagbe who can play as a deep midfielder. I still don’t think this move is likely, but I’ve been wrong before so screenshot this and tweet it out later.

Ezequiel Barco to Atlanta United. The weekend started with the deal seemingly done, according to reports in South America. And then new reports had the teams still discussing the sell-on percentage that Barco's current club Independiente would receive should Atlanta United and MLS sell the 18-year-old midfielders.

I think this deal will eventually get done, but the negotiations and reports and mind-numbingly repetitive. I wish I had a few sources in South America that I could turn to, but I don’t.