Diego Simeone doesn't want to wait any longer. He has already received his first summer gift in the form of a signing. Clément Lenglet has signed for Atlético de Madrid on a permanent basis after a positive loan spell last season.
The Frenchman convinced the Argentine coach, and after a few weeks of negotiations, the deal was closed. Barça frees up salary, Atleti gains depth in defense. But he's not the only Barça name on the rojiblanco agenda.
Simeone wants him | @simeone
Number one target for Cholo
Simeone's second big desire for this transfer window is none other than Fermín López. The Andalusian midfielder is highly regarded by the Argentine coach, who sees him as an ideal piece for his new system.
Barça have an overcrowded midfield: Gavi, De Jong, Pedri, Gündogan, and Christensen take up space. If an offer comes in that exceeds €60 million, the door will be wide open.
Deco and Laporta don't see him as a priority in the squad. Flick has given him minutes, but not a guaranteed starting spot. Simeone offers immediate prominence, leadership... money.
Fermín in a match with Barça | @FCBarcelona
The third player Simeone wants to take from Camp Nou is Marc Casadó. The young pivot trained at La Masia is one of the favorites of the colchonero coaching staff, who consider him a strategic signing.
With a market value of around €50 million, Barça might be willing to negotiate. The recent emergence of Marc Bernal and the recovery of Oriol Romeu make his role in the first team even more complicated.
Casadó wants to stay, but he knows he won't be a starter for Flick. If Atlético offers him a central role, the balance could tip.
Casadó | @FCBarcelona
Barça needs to sell, Atleti wants to close
The total for both operations could reach €110 million, which would provide a financial lifeline for Barça. In Camp Nou offices, they know that, although it hurts to part with homegrown talent, necessity prevails.
Deco has the final say, but he's willing to listen. The club needs to free up wage mass and finance new signings after the collapse of Nico Williams and the possible sale of Raphinha.
Meanwhile, Atlético are already working on departures to make room for both players. Simeone wants to close the deals as soon as possible so they can do preseason under his orders.
Fermín and Gavi celebrating a goal | @FCBarcelona
Both Fermín and Casadó are clear that they don't want to leave Barça. They came up through the academy, have ties to the locker room, and believe in the project. But the lack of minutes and the noise of the transfer market could end up changing their stance.
Flick hasn't spoken to them personally yet, but a key conversation is expected in the coming days. That's when they'll decide whether to fight for their place... or listen to the siren calls from the Metropolitano.
Atlético already have Lenglet. Simeone isn't satisfied: now he wants two La Masia gems to complete his revolution. Deco, pen in hand, is already crunching the numbers.
