Bolstering an attack that struggled throughout last season, D.C. United has officially acquired midfielder Yamil Asad in a complicated deal. To acquire his MLS rights, the Black-and-Red will send $200,000 in General Allocation Money and $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money in 2018, and an additional $100,000 in GAM and in TAM to Atlanta United in 2019. Atlanta will also receive $100,000 in GAM if Asad plays even one MLS match in the 2020 season. On top of that, United had to agree to loan terms (including an option to buy his contract) with Velez Sarsfield.
Terms of the loan were not officially disclosed. Paul Tenorio, who initially reported the trade for ESPNFC, listed the terms of United’s loan agreement with Velez Sarsfield as matching the total of Atlanta’s initial loan to bring the 23 year old to MLS. According to Tenorio, United will pay $300,000 for this year’s loan, and has agreed to a $700,000 clause that would allow them to purchase Asad’s playing rights permanently.
With that much outlay and his performance for Atlanta United last year, Asad has to be considered a starter. He spent the 2017 season as Tata Martino’s preferred left winger, but is also capable of playing a central role. With United spoiled for choice in the midfield after picking up several new players, there’s a distinct chance that he pushes Zoltan Stieber to the bench.
Last year, Asad posted 7 goals and 13 assists in 32 appearances, and had high marks in numerous other metrics on both the attacking and defensive sides of the ball. Talking about their newest addition, United general manager Dave Kasper had this to say:
Yamil is a bright talent in MLS, who was a major contributor to Atlanta’s successful inaugural campaign. His pace, skill and creativity in wide areas will provide us with an additional attacking dimension. He’s a young player who plays with a big personality and a high work rate, and he will continue to develop and improve with more experience in this league. We’re thrilled to add him.
He will rocket to the top of the depth chart on the left wing, and will give Ben Olsen the task of managing playing time for a midfield stacked with new players. Along with Stieber, the players vying for attacking midfield spots include club record signing Paul Arriola, fellow seven-figure transfer Luciano Acosta, versatile Costa Rican national team midfielder Ulises Segura, and Bolivian national team prospect Bruno Miranda.