Barcelona Keeping A Keen Eye On This Atletico Madrid Midfielder: One For The Future? | OneFootball

In a recent report, Fichajes revealed that Barcelona are keeping a keen eye on Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios. It has been stated that the Catalan club are eyeing a move to bring the Spanish talent to the Nou Camp next year.

Barrios’ Impressive Form In Spanish Football This Season

Barrios has made a decent start to this campaign as he has put in a string of impressive displays for Diego Simeone’s side at the centre of the park. The Spanish talent has scored one goal in ten matches for the Madrid outfit this season across all fronts.

The 22-year-old has offered decent protection for his teammates at the back and has done well to make ten tackles, six blocks, 14 interceptions and four clearances in La Liga. He has even been careful when distributing possession from midfield after completing 83.6% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via fbref.com).

His current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano will run out in the summer of 2030. Thus, it won’t be easy for Barcelona to get a deal done for the Spanish midfielder on the cheap next year.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: Pablo Barrios of Atletico de Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Barcelona Are Keeping A Keen Eye On Barrios: Is He A Prospect For The Future?

Barrios is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to make some important interceptions for his side in the middle of the park. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required and is a tidy passer as well.

The Spanish sensation can even chip in by scoring the odd goal going forward. Barrios is primarily a box-to-box midfielder but can also function as a defensive midfielder if needed. He is already quite familiar with La Liga and won’t take much time to adjust to life at the Catalan club.

Barrios would bring more bite and steel to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick’s midfield. He is good enough to challenge for regular first-team football at the Nou Camp.

At 22, the future looks quite bright for Barrios. He is undoubtedly a prospect to watch out for in the future, so Barca would do well to bring him on board this winter or at the end of this campaign.