Rumor: Diego Rubio Linked to Atlas in Liga MX

As the secondary transfer window approaches for MLS (July 10th - August 8th) rumors of players departing and arriving are sure to heat up. While players can’t join for a little over a month, players can leave at any time.

With that, we bring you the latest rumor out of Mexico. Sporting Kansas City striker Diego Rubio is being linked with a move to Club Atlas in Liga MX. The article (translated from Spanish) gives the reasons for Rubio being linked as his godfather Ivan ‘Bam-Bam’ Zamorano having played in Mexico before and because his U-20 Chilean teammate Angelo Henriquez is on the team. Based on the Google Translate version I’m reading, there is no other source listed.

Zamorano was also said to be the source of Rubio’s link to Club America earlier in the season. We here at The Blue Testament discussed the rumor and most everyone thinks it lacks credibility. However, while I’m not confident Club Atlas is where Rubio will end up, I do believe he’ll be sold.

Look no further than his 2018 MLS stats. He has five appearances with just one start (the opener when Khiry Shelton was injured). During that time he’s played a paltry 91 minutes (including the start!) and he has a goal and no assists (side note: Khiry has one goal in 1017 minutes — just sayin’). When Rubio joined Sporting KC he was a young Designated Player. He still makes $266,875.00 to mostly ride the bench.

Rubio actually has more time in the United Soccer League (USL) with the Swope Park Rangers than he does with SKC. He has two appearances (both starts) for 180 minutes and he has a goal there as well.

If Sporting KC are finally going to add a striker during the window they will have no need for Diego Rubio. So while this rumor might not turn out to be true, I’m sure we all know in our hearts Rubio is on his way out.