Atlético de Madrid continues with its plan to strengthen the squad in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Diego Pablo Simeone and the sporting management are working to fill key positions, especially in midfield, after the departure of some important players. In that process, they haven't lost sight of the possibility of turning to FC Barcelona, a club with which they've kept a steady history of transactions in recent years.
In fact, Barça has been one of the main suppliers of talent for the red-and-white team. Names like David Villa, Luis Suárez, Antoine Griezmann, Memphis Depay, or Clément Lenglet have gone directly from wearing the blue-and-claret jersey to the red-and-white one. Now, the club's board is considering repeating the formula and taking advantage of any opportunity that arises at Camp Nou before the window closes.
On Atlético's radar
The latest footballer to attract Atlético's interest is Marc Casadó. The midfielder, developed at La Masia, has shown quality in his performances with the first team, but the high level of competition in Hansi Flick's squad makes it difficult for him to keep his place as a starter. The presence of Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and young players like Marc Bernal limits his chances for minutes this season.
Casadó, who last season benefited from injuries to enjoy a more prominent role, now faces a different scenario. The player wants to stay at Barça, but he also seeks to keep his prominence so he doesn't see his chances of making the 2026 World Cup with the Spanish national team compromised. This situation has led Atlético to position itself as a possible destination if the midfielder decides to seek a new challenge.
The club's plan
Simeone has asked Enrique Cerezo and the sporting management to bring in a midfielder capable of providing balance and coverage. The recent departure of Rodrigo de Paul to Inter Miami has left a gap that the Argentine coach wants to fill as soon as possible, and Casadó is among the preferred alternatives. Atlético would already have started contacts with both the player and his entourage to convey its interest.
At Camp Nou, however, they aren't considering letting the player go at any price. Laporta and Deco consider Casadó a valuable asset, and any negotiation would require a very attractive financial offer that would help ease the wage bill and generate income. Meanwhile, Casadó keeps his commitment to the blue-and-claret project, although he's aware that the coming weeks could be decisive in defining his future.