Atlanta United to Sign Barcelona Midfielder Adrian Gill

Atlanta United is in the final stages of securing a permanent transfer for U.S. youth international and Barcelona midfielder Adrian Gill, as confirmed by a source to ESPN.

The news was initially reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Gill, who is 20 years old, is anticipated to take a supplemental roster position with Atlanta, meaning his salary will not count against the team’s salary budget.

Since October, Gill has been on loan at UE Cornellà, a club in Spain’s fifth tier. Prior to this, he played for Barcelona’s B team, which competes in the fourth tier of Spanish football.

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Gill joined Barcelona’s academy in 2018 after starting his youth career at Cornellà.

His rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks was swift, culminating in his signing of a professional contract in 2022. However, his progress was hindered by an ACL injury sustained in September 2023.

In August of last year, Barcelona extended Gill’s contract through 2026.

Primarily a midfielder, Gill has also played as an outside back.

On the international stage, he was part of the U.S. squad that competed in the 2023 Concacaf U17 Championships, participating in seven matches. Unfortunately, his knee injury prevented him from joining the U17 World Cup roster that year. It is worth noting that Gill is also eligible to represent Spain.

Despite Gill’s upcoming departure, the U.S. will still have representation at Barcelona through goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who, at 19 years old, has yet to make an appearance for the first team but has been included in senior matchday squads.