After Ezequiel Barco held out of training for the second straight day, Independiente’s brass has reportedly met with manager Ariel Holan and have decided to lower their asking price for the 18-year-old attacker.

According to TyC Sports in Argentina, the club have sent a counter-offer to Atlanta United for the sum of $15 million after originally stating that they’d take no less than $20 million and some reports having their target set at $24 million.

While $15 million seems a very reasonable fee for a player of Barco’s talent and potential there’s still a matter of the add-ons of the deal. Specifically the sell-on percentage, or the amount of money Independiente would receive in return if Atlanta sells Barco to another team. Reports had Atlanta offering 30 percent if Barco is sold by 2019, but Independiente turned that offer down. Could they be seeking more or a guaranteed return without an expiration date? It seems likely.

These are positive steps towards a resolution to this crazy transfer saga. Are we getting close to the boat sailing up to our shores? Hopefully so. Stay tuned...