Atletico Madrid boss Simeone called Barcelona youngster, wants to sign him

Contacts between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are intensifying as deadline day nears. Joao Felix is the primary subject of interest, for the Catalans are in a race against time to recruit the Colchoneros’ star.

Yet, the links between the two Spanish institutions do not end there. According to reports from Victor Navarro, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is interested in Barcelona’s Ez Abde.

The Argentine tactician even called up the young winger yesterday to convey his interest in Abde’s future. In fact, Los Rojiblancos are just one of the many offers he has on his table.

Abde is Xavi’s only natural left-winger

Barcelona are blessed with resources on the right wing with Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal providing three solid options.

The manager, however, does not enjoy such a luxury on the left wing. He may prefer deploying a fourth midfielder as a false winger in the position at the moment, but Ez Abde is his only pure left-wing option if he decides to revert to a three-man forward system.

As such, the manager is keen on keeping him at the club, but the player is seeking a more prominent role in the team if he is to stay.

If regular game-time is not guaranteed, Abde would prefer to leave for a club where he can feature more consistently.

Atletico Madrid, who could be losing Yannick Carrasco soon, have thus made a move with Simeone speaking to the Moroccan international.

A possible inclusion in Operation Joao Felix?

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a big fan of Joao Felix and sees the youngster to be the ideal recruitment to complete Xavi Hernandez’s squad.

The Catalans do not yet have enough margin on Financial Fair Play and are awaiting the same to make progress in the window.

Atletico Madrid’s interest in Ez Abde could thus be used to reduce their asking fee for Felix and offer a player exchange instead. Yet, it is clear that the board will have its reservations against such a move.

It remains to be seen in the coming hours if anything concrete comes of Atleti’s interest in Abde. The Blaugrana, for their part, are clear that they will not let the winger on loan and will only sanction a permanent departure.