FC Cincinnati has officially unveiled the acquisition of 20-year-old Argentinian winger Alvaro Martin Barreal. Barreal joins from Argentinian outfit Club Atletico Velez Sarsfield (Velez). On September 2nd, Barreal put pen-to-paper on a 3-year deal, with the club holding the option to extend it a year further.
According to Argentinian radio-show Sabado Velez, FC Cinci paid an initial fee of $1.5 – $1.7 million, with additional performance-based bonuses and a 25% sell-on clause. This will most likely make Barreal a Young Designated Player (YDP).
This acquisition fits with Major League Soccer’s initiative to incorporate more young, international talent into the MLS. Indeed, the MLS is currently adjusting its Under-22 rules to allow for more of these acquisitions.
So, what does Barreal bring to FC Cincinnati?
Barreal – coincidentally – made his professional debut for Velez on September 2nd during the 2018-19 season and scored his first professional goal on the 3rd of February. He made a total of 18 appearances for the Velez first-team before singing for FC Cincinnati. Barreal has also been called up to the Argentinian U-20 national team. He brings with him modest, but crucial experience playing at the highest level.
With a dominant left foot and a powerful shot, Barreal was mainly deployed on the left-wing. He can however, play as a converted right-wing when necessary and did so on a number of occasions while at Velez. It can be expected he will occupy his favored left side for FC Cincinnati, but with his versatility, it is also possible he will be played on the right or up top in a front-two formation.
Barreal obviously possesses skill, but having only racked up around 500 professional minutes on the field, he is one for the future. He will need to be integrated into the team slowly and given time to acclimate to the team, the city, and the competition.
With this acquisition, FC Cincinnati is adding a young, talented, and versatile player who will link up with an already exciting crop of first-team youth. Barreal (20) joins former Atlanta United striker Brandon Vazquez (21), first overall draft pick of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft Frankie Amaya (19), and former LA Galaxy defender Zico Bailey (20) on the FC Cincinnati roster.
A young prospect with unknown potential – the fans in orange & blue have every reason to be excited for FC Cincinnati’s new Argentinian.
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