Barcelona pursuit of Portuguese free agent could collapse as player nears Atletico Madrid move
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have started the summer on the wrong foot, with growing tension over the club’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
But for the longest time, it appears Barça would one-up Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Bernardo Silva, who has become a free agent after leaving Manchester City.
However, doubts are starting to creep in over Barcelona’s pursuit of Silva.
Bernardo Silva deal could collapse
Bernardo Silva looks closer to joining Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
According to Catalunya Radio, those close to Bernardo Silva now consider the Barcelona option to be off the table, with Atletico Madrid emerging as the more likely destination for the Portuguese midfielder.
The development is a significant and surprising turn of events. Inside Barcelona, the deal had been considered virtually done.
Deco and Flick were initially hesitant about the signing, but the determination shown by Silva himself changed their perspective.
The club had reached a preliminary agreement with the player, who had even agreed to a salary reduction to facilitate the move.
Despite all of that groundwork, the operation now appears to be unravelling. The Atletico Madrid option, which had seemed like a distant possibility just weeks ago, is now reportedly closer to materialising than a move to the Camp Nou.
A blow for Barcelona
Bernardo SIlva might not join Barcelona. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
For a club that had invested significant time and energy in pursuing Silva, and had projected confidence about his arrival, this is a major setback.
Silva’s quality and versatility would have made him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s squad, capable of operating across multiple midfield and attacking positions.
Losing him to a direct La Liga rival would only compound the frustration, especially to a club like Atletico Madrid, which has publicly ridiculed Barcelona over the pursuit of Alvarez.
It must be noted that Real Madrid, too, are interested in Silva, with Jose Mourinho particularly keen on his services. But it seems Atleti have the upper hand at the moment.
