Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid interested in a summer move for Barcelona loanee
According to reports from SPORT, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Barcelona loanee Abdessamad Ezzalzouli in the summer and are maintaining a close eye on his situation in Osasuna.
The Moroccan International has shown a very high level for the Pamplona-based side in his season-long loan so far, attracting eyes from across the world. He has provided two assists and scored one goal in 17 league appearances for Osasuna so far.
Earlier this month, he also scored the only goal in the semifinal of the Copa del Rey to give Osasuna a 1-0 lead over Athletic Club in the first leg.
Ez Abde made his debut for the Catalan club against Deportivo Alaves in October 2021 and went on to make ten league appearances for Barcelona last season. He is primarily known for his fearless brand on football and ability to take on and dribble past opposition defences through the wings.
With a successful stint at Osasuna under his belt, the player will return to Catalonia in June at the end of his loan spell. Xavi Hernandez intends to keep the player, however, his future at the club depends on other factors including the need for player sales at Barcelona.
Given the precarious economic state of the league leaders, Abde could well be the man Barcelona offload to balance the books. In the event of his availability, Atletico Madrid would become prime contenders to sign him.
Diego Simeone’s side hope to include the player as part of the speculated Yannick Carrasco transfer to Barcelona come June. However, given that Xavi’s side values the Moroccan at more than €15 million, Atletico Madrid might have to shell out an extra amount in addition to swapping the Belgian winger.
The Colchoneros face competition from the Premier League where teams including Nottingham Forest have already enquired about Abde’s availability.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
