Atletico Madrid not pursuing Barcelona midfield prodigy despite meeting with agent | OneFootball

Earlier today, a report claimed there was a meeting between Atletico Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany and Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal’s agent, Raul Verdu.

It took everyone by storm, with the report implying Bernal’s future was one of the possibilities discussed during the meeting.

However, a recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered some key clarification surrounding Bernal’s future, in the wake of the meeting between Verdu and Alemany.

Atletico Madrid not interested in Bernal

The report clarifies that Atletico Madrid are not interested in Bernal, even though they were interested in his services during the January transfer window.

So naturally, the meeting between Verdu and Alemany wasn’t regarding Bernal’s future but rather to establish contacts with players represented by Verdu’s agency, Roc Nation Esports.

The agency has a strong portfolio of top footballers, including Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande, and Gabriel Martinelli, among others.

Marc Bernal is not a target for Atleti anymore. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

As far as Bernal was concerned, Atletico Madrid did court the young midfielder in January, at a time when his game-time was being managed and minutes were scarce, leading to questions over his future.

But Hansi Flick convinced the youngster to continue at Barcelona and fight for his place in the starting eleven, a decision that paid off in the end.

In fact, the reason Bernal was not discussed as a potential option for Atletico Madrid is that the player himself no longer considers the possibility of leaving Camp Nou.

Barcelona, for their part, are not too keen on offloading their talented midfielder, who will be eyeing a return to the starting XI in the Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against Atleti next week.

Bernal had missed the first leg after picking up a fresh injury, also against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. He will be unavailable for tomorrow’s game against Espanyol as well.