Report: Spanish giants set to battle in the race to sign AFC Bournemouth star | OneFootball

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid circle as Bournemouth brace for Marcos Senesi exit

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are preparing to go head to head for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, with sources confirming that the Argentine has already informed the club he plans to leave in 2026. As first revealed by TeamTalk, both La Liga heavyweights have identified Senesi as a high quality opportunity in a market increasingly focused on elite free agents.

“Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are ready to battle it out for Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi” is the stark reality facing the south coast club, and it underlines how far the centre back’s reputation has grown since his move from Feyenoord in 2022. The report states that both clubs “see him as excellent signing to come in, and have held talks”, placing Bournemouth in a difficult holding position.

Contract rejection forces Bournemouth planning

Senesi’s stance has effectively forced Bournemouth’s hand. The club “have already accepted that they are losing Senesi after he rejected multiple offers to renew”, a line that confirms negotiations are no longer active. At 28, and with nearly 100 appearances for the Cherries, Senesi has been integral to Andoni Iraola’s progress driven side.

Photo: IMAGO

While there has been interest from within England, “a move to Spain looks the most likely scenario at this stage”, suggesting the player’s own preference may now be guiding proceedings. For Bournemouth, the frustration is not only losing a leader but doing so without a transfer fee, a recurring challenge for clubs operating just below the elite level.

Defensive shortlist takes shape at Vitality Stadium

Bournemouth are not standing still. With Senesi “ready to move on”, recruitment planning is already under way. TeamTalk report that the club “are open to Nathan Ake returning to the club”, with the Manchester City defender having slipped down the pecking order and potentially available in 2026.

Further down the list are domestic options. “Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea are two Championship defenders Bournemouth appreciate”, a clear indication that the club may once again look to develop rather than simply replace like for like. This approach fits Bournemouth’s recent recruitment model, though the gap left by Senesi’s departure will be hard to ignore.

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From a Bournemouth supporter’s perspective, this report lands with a familiar thud. Marcos Senesi leaving on a free in 2026 feels like another example of the club punching above its weight only to be stripped of its best assets when Europe comes calling. He has been more than just a defender, he has been a tone setter, a leader, and a symbol of how far the club has come under Iraola.

There is disappointment, but also fatigue. Fans have watched key players grow into international calibre performers, only to see contract talks fail and contingency plans quietly briefed. Knowing that “Bournemouth have already accepted that they are losing Senesi” makes it feel inevitable rather than avoidable.

The concern deepens with the suggestion that Antoine Semenyo could also be gone, especially with his £65million release clause likely to be triggered. Losing both a defensive leader and an attacking match winner in the same period risks undoing much of the progress made.

Supporters will hope the club reinvests wisely, but replacing Senesi’s authority, composure, and understanding of the system will not be straightforward. Ambition has taken Bournemouth forward, but retention now feels like the missing piece.