Barcelona €30 million-rated midfield target wants to join Atletico Madrid – report

In a major development, Barcelona have been dealt with yet another blow in the transfer market, with one of the key targets preferring a move to Atletico Madrid.

The player in question is Sofyan Amrabat. According to Izem Anass, the Fiorentina midfielder wants to join Atleti ahead of the new season, despite the long-standing interest from FC Barcelona.

The Catalans have been targeting Amrabat for a long time now, especially after his success at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The club had eyed a move for the midfielder during the January transfer window, but the transfer did not materialise due to various reasons.

But with Amrabat’s contract at Fiorentina expiring in 2024, Barcelona came back for him in the market this summer. Unfortunately for them, so did Atletico Madrid, who are desperate to beef up their options in the middle of the park.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were touted as two of the potential destinations for Amrabat ahead of the new season, but it seems the player has chosen the latter.

While Sofyan was reportedly interested in joining the ranks at Camp Nou, it appears the uncertainty over Barcelona not being able to register him immediately has played a part in convincing him to join Diego Simeone’s unit.

Not to mention, Simeone is a huge admirer of the Moroccan international. In contrast, Barcelona had been targeting Sofyan only as a Plan B – an alternative for their top targets such as Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi.

Amratbat was also going to face more competition for a place in the first team at Barça, as the team boasts the services of many talented midfielders. A move to Atleti, therefore, appears to be the more logical choice for the player.

As for Barcelona, they have to look for other alternatives in the market. With Kimmich and Zubimendi unlikely to be options anymore, the club have their task cut out as they scour the market for a viable long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.