A man in front of the FC Barcelona crest with a red background.

Barça pay the €80M and leave Atlético without their best star: Simeone can't believe it

Barça neutralizes Simeone and completes a signing that changes its offensive future

While Diego Simeone considered him a cornerstone for his attack, Barcelona have quietly accelerated and would be willing to finalize a strategic signing for their project. Joan Laporta and Deco have taken a firm step in the summer market. After weeks of planning and discreet contacts, Barça are very well positioned to secure a key addition that could shape the team's offensive future.

Joan Laporta at a press conference | @jlaportaoficial

A promise turned into reality

The player in question is one of the big sensations in European soccer. At 20 years old, he has impressed with his physical ability, his goal-scoring instinct, and a maturity unusual for his age. In his current league, he has posted very attractive statistics and has delivered performances that haven't gone unnoticed among the continent's top clubs.

What has most convinced Barça's scouts is his ability to break free from defenders, his back-to-goal play, and his accuracy in the box. His profile would fit perfectly in Hansi Flick's system, which suggests that his adaptation would be quick. In addition, the club considers him not only an immediate resource but also a strategic piece with medium- and long-term potential.

A man in a black sports jacket pointing forward with his index finger.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona

In Madrid, Atlético had been following the striker for months. Simeone considered him essential to renew the attacking line, and had even authorized a multi-million euro operation. From the Atlético camp, it was leaked that there were already formal contacts with the player and his entourage.

Atleti's sporting management had launched a plan to convince him with playing time, trust, and a leading role. But while strategies were being designed at the Metropolitano, Camp Nou moved efficiently and with total discretion. Although there isn't a definitive agreement, Barça have emerged as the big favorite thanks to a solid proposal.

Simeone wants him | @simeone

A price that makes a difference

The player's original club won't let him leave easily. His release clause stands at €80 million, and although it may seem like a high figure, Barça believe it would be a manageable investment. The strategy is to finalize some sales that would free up wage bill and generate direct income.

Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal have also joined the race, showing interest but without formal moves. However, the affinity with some Barça players, such as Dani Olmo, has been decisive in bringing positions closer and keeping the Barça hope alive.

The footballer who could change clubs this summer is Benjamin Šeško. The young RB Leipzig striker has taken important steps in his development and now his name is strongly linked to the Camp Nou orbit. Although his signing isn't finalized yet, everything indicates that Barça will do everything possible to secure it before another club gets ahead.

For Simeone, it would be a great missed opportunity. For Barça, it would be an ideal reinforcement that would allow them to build a modern, powerful, and youth-filled attacking line. If it happens, Šeško would become one of the big bets of the Flick project.