A man with a serious expression in front of the FC Barcelona crest on a green background.

Official, Simeone Fired Him and Now Barça Signs Him: Atlético Loses Its Star

The Atlético coach decided to reject the services of a player who is very close to Barça.

FC Barcelona continues working on improving its squad for the upcoming season. With Hansi Flick at the helm, the team has found stability in its starting eleven, but it still needs reinforcements to increase internal competition.

The trio formed by Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal has shown to be at a great level. However, beyond the starters, the options in attack are limited.

For this reason, the sports management, led by Deco, has been exploring the market for months in search of an offensive addition. Now, a new name has appeared on the list of possible reinforcements. The most surprising thing is that his past in LaLiga was marked by Simeone's rejection.

FC Barcelona soccer players celebrating on the field with expressions of joy and excitement.
Galactic trident of Barça | @FCBarcelona

Deco Sets His Sights on the Premier League

Barça has closely followed several players in recent months, but it seems that its new target plays in the Premier League. He is an striker who has been one of the great revelations of the season in England and has attracted the interest of several European clubs.

The most striking thing about this case is that he already had a stint in LaLiga, although he didn't manage to establish himself. At the time, Diego Simeone decided he didn't fit into his game plan and facilitated his departure. Now, after exploding in the Premier, Barça considers him an interesting option to strengthen its forward line.

Deco has received very positive reports about his evolution. His versatility, scoring ability, and experience in Spain make him an ideal candidate to increase competition in attack.

Simeone | @simeone

The Forward Who Now Interests Barça

The footballer in question is Matheus Cunha, a Brazilian forward who currently shines at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Since his arrival in England, he has shown great growth as a player and has been key in his team's offense.

Cunha left Atlético de Madrid without many opportunities under Simeone's management. The Argentine coach never fully trusted him and, after an unproductive loan, he ended up being sold to the Premier League. In his new destination, he has demonstrated all his potential and has established himself as a reliable forward.

Barça especially values his versatility; he can play as a center forward but also adapts well to the wings, something Flick considers essential. His speed, power, and ability to connect with his teammates make him a very interesting profile. Additionally, his experience in LaLiga would make his adaptation faster.

A Difficult Signing Due to His High Price

While Barça sees Cunha as a great market opportunity, there is a significant problem: his price. The Premier doesn't usually let its best players go for low figures, and Wolverhampton is a club that doesn't need to sell urgently.

Currently, Cunha's market value exceeds 40 million, a figure that Barça can't assume without first making some sales. Deco is studying formulas to reduce his signing cost, such as a possible loan with a purchase option or including players in the operation.

The interest is real, but Barça's economic situation remains complicated. Even so, the blaugrana board doesn't rule out making a move in the summer if the right conditions arise.

Barça Continues Planning Its Attack

While evaluating the option of Cunha, Barça continues to consider other possible signings to strengthen its forward line. Names like Rafael Leão and Nico Williams remain on the agenda, although their prices are even higher.

Football player wearing AC Milan shirt celebrating on the pitch.
Rafael Leão playing with Milan | @iamrafaeleao93

What is clear is that Deco and Flick agree on the need to add one more striker. The squad needs depth to face all competitions with guarantees.

Matheus Cunha is a profile that fits well with what Barça is looking for. His explosion in the Premier has shown that Simeone might have been wrong to let him go. Now, the blaugrana club has the opportunity to give him a second life in LaLiga.