Manchester United reportedly ‘really like’ Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios TEAMtalk.
The 22-year-old initially started his youth career at Real Madrid before joining Los Rojiblancos in 2017. After progressing through their youth system, he made his first-team debut in 2022 before establishing himself as a key starter in recent years.
He won an Olympic gold medal for Spain a few years ago and has secured his place in Luis De La Fuente’s Spanish national team after putting in impressive performances in La Liga.
Now, TEAMtalk claim Man Utd are looking to strengthen the engine room next year and have identified Barrios’ teammate, Conor Gallagher, as a serious option.
While scouting the former Chelsea star, United were impressed with Barrios and spoke ‘gloriously’ about him. Now they are ‘very fond’ of the Spaniard and can make a concrete approach to securing his services.
Ruben Amorim does not want to sign an emergency loan and only wants players who fit their long-term vision. The report claims that the Spanish giants have no plans to part ways with him just yet as his existing deal runs until 2030.
However, Man Utd are undeterred by Atletico’s stance and are prepared to take steps to complete the deal, with the player having a £105m release clause in his current contract.
Barrios to Man Utd
Barrios is a technically gifted, dynamic midfielder. He is comfortable in a double pivot role in midfield, but is also efficient in the box-to-box position.
He can play threading passes between the lines, has an eye for long-distance passing and is also efficient in defensive contributions. So he would be a smart signing for Man Utd if they were to buy him.
However, it will be extremely difficult for Amorim’s side to complete the deal if Atletico Madrid does not lower their valuation.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately make a concrete approach to completing the operation in January or next summer.
Meanwhile, following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend, United are set to welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford in a crucial Premier League match on Boxing Day.
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