Barcelona not concerned as Portuguese target closes in on Atletico Madrid move | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva’s future appears to be heading towards Atletico Madrid rather than Barcelona, even though it has not been long since the Catalans were considered the favourites.

It was reported that Silva had an agreement with Barça and was ready to join the club on a free transfer, despite interest from Atletico Madrid. But it appears the tables have turned.

Silva is now closing in on joining Atletico Madrid instead, in what appears to be a setback for the Blaugrana.

Barcelona’s true position on Silva

Silva was never a priority target for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo, Silva’s potential move to Atletico Madrid has caused little concern at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona have enormous respect for the quality of the former Manchester City midfielder, but the club’s sporting management has always viewed his potential arrival as an opportunity rather than a necessity.

Silva offered his services to Barcelona, not the other way around, and that distinction is crucial to understanding the club’s relaxed stance.

When Silva made clear that joining Barcelona was his dream, he was told that the club would consider his signing once their primary homework was completed – namely, signing a striker to replace Robert Lewandowski. There was no urgency, no pressure and no active pursuit.

Midfield already well stocked

Barcelona are unbothered by Silva’s potential move to Atleti. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

With Marc Bernal’s emergence and Gavi’s outstanding recovery form, the midfield is considered well covered.

There are actually players surplus to requirements in that area, with Marc Casado the most likely to depart this window. Adding another midfielder, even one of Silva’s calibre, is not considered a priority by the sporting department.

Silva also does not naturally fit the wide positions, further limiting his tactical relevance to Flick’s system.

What Barcelona will not tolerate, the report makes clear, is a player using their supposed interest to leverage better offers elsewhere.