Barcelona has once again shaken up the transfer market with an unexpected move that has caught Atlético de Madrid by surprise. While Marcus Rashford seemed to be Laporta's top target to strengthen the attack, reality has taken a different turn in recent hours. The price of the English international, close to €40M, has led the blaugrana club to change its strategy.
From Camp Nou, they believe there are more accessible opportunities that fit better from a sporting perspective. That's why, when the door opened to another footballer highly desired by Cholo Simeone, they didn't hesitate to act. The operation has gained momentum, and now everything points to a favorable outcome for Barça, which has set its sights on a young, fast, and experienced profile.
Simeone wants him | @simeone
Barça changes its target
Rashford, despite his undeniable quality, doesn't fully convince the technical management. Hansi Flick has his doubts about his tactical integration and, in addition, prioritizes names that can arrive under favorable conditions and with a hunger for growth. In that context, an ideal alternative emerged that would also deal a symbolic blow to Atlético, which already had everything in place with the player.
The footballer in question had been negotiating with the rojiblanco side for weeks, but when Barça's interest arrived, everything changed. The appeal of the project, the possibility of playing at Camp Nou, and sharing a locker room with young players like Lamine Yamal were arguments too powerful to ignore. The player has put everything on hold and has opened up to negotiating with the blaugrana club.
Marcus Rashford offers himself to Barça | @marcusrashford
At Barça, they know that surrounding Lamine with talent and good teammates is essential for his continued development and for him to feel supported. His contract renewal until 2031 has strengthened the project and has been key for other players to start looking favorably at the club. Lamine himself is said to have exchanged messages with the player to express his desire to have him in the squad.
Meanwhile, Hansi Flick has approved the profile of the new target. He believes that he fits perfectly with his offensive system and that he can be that necessary game-changer on the left flank of the attack. It's not just a bet for the future, but also an immediate solution that can perform from day one.
Lamine Yamal during a training session | @FCBarcelona
Atlético upset by the blaugrana move
The reaction at Metropolitano hasn't taken long. From Atlético's camp, they confirm that they took the signing for granted and feel betrayed by the turn of events. The anger is considerable, especially because the player had given his word before changing his mind.
In any case, at Barça, they're not in the mood for sentimentality; if there's a market opportunity, they'll go for it. If it also serves to weaken a direct rival, even better. Joan Laporta is clear that these kinds of moves strengthen the club's image and send a clear message to the rest of Europe: Barça is once again a preferred destination.
Finally, the name of the player who will change the course of the market is Yéremy Pino. The winger from the Canary Islands, currently at Villarreal, was Atlético de Madrid's main target. His speed, dribbling, and experience on big stages make him a top-level addition for the new Barça.
Everything indicates that the agreement will be finalized in the coming weeks and could become official in July. With his arrival, Barça strengthens a key position and definitively says goodbye to the Rashford option. Now, the focus is on building a team that combines young talent with experience, and Yéremy fits perfectly into that plan.
