Atlanta United Signs U.S. Youth International Adrian Gill from Barcelona

omidbasir- On Tuesday, Atlanta United officially announced the permanent signing of U.S. youth international Adrian Gill from FC Barcelona. Both clubs have confirmed the transaction.

The agreement extends through June 2027, with an option to extend until the 2029-30 season, pending the receipt of Gill’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“Adrian is a young midfielder with experience in the U.S. youth national team, whose development has taken him through one of the world’s leading academies at Barcelona,” stated Chris Henderson, Atlanta’s chief soccer officer and sporting director, in a press release.

“We are excited to welcome him to our club and enhance competition within our midfield unit.”

In a corresponding statement, Barcelona remarked, “FC Barcelona and Atlanta United have reached an agreement for the transfer of player Adrian Simon Gill. The club retains a percentage of any future sale involving the American midfielder.”

At 20 years old, Gill is anticipated to occupy a supplemental roster spot with Atlanta, which will exempt his salary from the team’s salary budget.

Gill had been on loan with UE Cornellà since October, competing in Spain’s fifth tier. Prior to that, he played for Barcelona’s B team in the fourth tier.

A native of Denver, Colorado, Gill joined Barcelona’s academy in 2018 after originally being part of Cornellà’s youth system. His rapid ascent through the ranks led to his first professional contract in 2022. However, he suffered an ACL injury in September 2023, which has impeded his progress.

Last August, Barcelona extended Gill’s contract through 2026.

Primarily a midfielder, Gill has also played as a fullback. On the international scene, he was a member of the U.S. squad at the 2023 Concacaf U17 Championships, participating in seven matches. Unfortunately, his knee injury prevented him from being included in the roster for that year’s U17 World Cup. Notably, Gill is also eligible to represent Spain.

Despite Gill’s departure, the U.S. will still be represented at Barcelona by goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who, at 19, has yet to make an appearance for the first team but has been included in senior matchday squads.

This report incorporates information from Jeff Carlisle and Sam Marsden.