Atlanta United could be set to see a center back who appeared 31 times this past season depart the club. According to André Hernan of UOL Esporte, defender Alan Franco is close to joining Brazilian powerhouse São Paulo on loan.
The report states that the 26-year-old Argentine would join the six-time Brasileirão champions on loan for a full season with an undisclosed purchase option at the end of the spell.
On the surface, this move makes plenty of sense. Franco joined the Five Stripes at the beginning of the Gabriel Heinze era as the new manager’s key defensive addition to the squad.