Manchester City Are In The Running To Land This Atletico Madrid Midfielder: Decent Choice For Pep? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes revealed that Manchester City are in the running to land Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios. It has been mentioned that the Mancunian giants would have to compete with Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign the Spanish talent this year.

Barrios’ Decent Form In La Liga

Barrios has put in a string of impressive displays for Diego Simeone’s side at the centre of the park during this campaign. The 22-year-old has registered one goal and grabbed a couple of assists in 27 matches for Atletico Madrid this season across all fronts.

The Spanish midfield ace has caught the eye at times in the middle of the park by averaging 1.19 shots per 90 minutes in La Liga. He has kept 26.3% of his attempts on target (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano will expire in the summer of 2030, which could make it difficult for Man City to sign him on the cheap this year.

VALLADOLID, SPAIN – OCTOBER 14: Pablo Barrios of Spain inspects the pitch prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Spain and Bulgaria at Jose Zorrilla on October 14, 2025 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Will Barrios Be A Good Choice For Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola?

Barrios is a good tackler of the ball and usually works hard for his team defensively in the middle of the park. He can shoot the ball with venom from long range and has got the vision to create some decent chances in the final third.

The Spanish talent is a decent dribbler with the ball at his feet. Barrios is primarily a box-to-box midfielder, but can also operate as a defensive midfielder or play in the number ten position, if needed. However, only time will tell whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if Man City manage to snap him up this January or at the end of this season.

We can expect Barrios to enhance the quality of Pep Guardiola’s midfield department. He is good enough to compete for a regular starting spot at the Etihad Stadium in the coming years.

At 22, Barrios has got the potential to be a world-class player in his position someday. Therefore, he would be an excellent choice for Man City to consider in the long run. However, Guardiola has to give him some time to adjust to life in the Premier League before he can unlock the best out of the player.