Atlanta United president addresses Miles Robinson & George Bello transfer links

Atlanta United and United States defenders Miles Robinson and George Bello appear to be on very different paths.

The defenders have been key figures over the past few years with the Five Stripes, notching up 167 combined appearances at senior level. Both played bit-part roles in Atlanta United's MLS Cup-winning team of 2018, while Robinson helped deliver US Open Cup and Campeones Cup titles the following year.

Their success at club level has translated to the international stage, too. Still just 19 years old, Bello has six USMNT caps under his belt already and started in the 1-0 Gold Cup final win over Mexico in 2021.

Robinson scored the winning goal in that final and, slowly but surely, has become something of a vital piece for Gregg Berhalter, winning 13 caps just last year to take his total to 16. Always a rock-solid defender, Robinson's improvement in the ball-playing department has paid dividends.

Naturally, the duo have been linked with moves away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium this winter. On the part of Bello - who is reportedly on Watford's radar - it would appear Atlanta United are open to the prospect of allowing him to leave in the near future.

"With George, there has been a swirl of interest," club president Darren Eales told reporters during a Zoom conference on Wednesday.

"He's an exciting young player and has been fantastic for us. He had the most homegrown minutes of any Under-23 player in the league last year, I think he's been superb when he's had his opportunities playing for the United States.

"He's come from our academy and is someone we're really proud of. With George, like with all our players, if there's an offer that works for the club and, more importantly in this case, for George, we'll be there to facilitate it for him.

"He wants to play in Europe and if the right offer comes and we can get something done then obviously, he goes with our blessing."

But it appears Robinson may have to be a little more patient if he wishes to leave and test himself in Europe. Though interest from England and Germany has been reported, Eales denied the club receiving bids and stated they wouldn't entertain them even if they were forthcoming.

"As far as Miles is concerned, that's a different kettle of fish [to George Bello]," said Eales. "Miles is someone that's been a solid performer for us, he's played magnificently for the United States. It's a big year for him with a World Cup coming up and he has two more years left on his contract with us.

"We haven't had any offers on him, but nor would we even consider any offers for Miles."

Bello and Robinson are back in training with the Five Stripes who are preparing to kick off their 2022 MLS season at home to Sporting Kansas City on February 27.