On 11 January 2017, Asad was loaned to Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC. He scored the first goal in the team's MLS history, against New York Red Bulls in a 1–2 defeat at home on 5 March 2017.[4] Despite a successful season with Atlanta, the club was unable to agree terms with Vélez Sarsfield on a permanent move and Asad returned to the Argentine club. However, MLS roster rules dictated that Atlanta maintained his rights within MLS.
D.C. United
In February 2018, a three-way transaction was struck between Vélez Sarsfield, Atlanta United, and D.C. United which resulted in Asad signing on loan for D.C. In the deal, D.C. sent $300,000 in general allocation money and $200,000 in targeted allocation money to Atlanta for Asad's MLS future.[5] At the same time, D.C. reached a loan agreement for 2018 with Vélez Sarsfield which included a purchase option of $700,000 at season's end.[6] In his debut for D.C. United against Orlando City SC on March 3, 2018, Asad scored his first goal for the team in the 32nd minute.[7] Asad scored again in the Audi Field inaugural game against the Vancouver Whitecaps on 14 July 2018.[8] The game ended as a 3–1 win for United. Asad scored 9 goals and contributed 8 assists in 2018 for D.C. United.[9]
D.C. United pursued to permanently sign Asad after the 2018 season,[10] but talks fell and Asad decided to return to Vélez Sarsfield.
Return to Vélez Sarsfield
Asad decided to return to Vélez Sarsfield in January 2019.[11]
Return to D.C. United
On 17 September 2019, Asad signed a pre-contract agreement with D.C. United for the 2020 Major League Soccer Season.[12] Asad scored his first goal for D.C. United since his return on 7 March 2020, in a 2–1 win against Inter Miami.[13] Following the 2021 season, Asad was released by D.C. United.[14]
FC Cincinnati
On 28 March 2024, after several weeks of training with the club, Asad signed a contract with FC Cincinnati, guaranteed through 2024 with a club option for 2025.[15]
International career
Due to his background, he is available to play for either Argentina, Syria and Lebanon.
Personal life
Yamil Asad is the son of former Vélez Sarsfield player Omar Asad, who scored the second goal for Vélez in the 2–0 win over A.C. Milan for the 1994 Intercontinental Cup, the same year of Yamil's birth.[16] He is also great-nephew of former international footballer and manager Julio Asad. Asad was nicknamed "El Turco" due to his Syrian/Lebanese ethnicity.