Atlético Madrid might sign this Barcelona star in January’s mid-transfer window: Reports

Atlético Madrid might sign this Barcelona star in January’s mid-transfer window: Reports

Gerard Pique

According to sources, the out-of-favor Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is a target for Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window. The 35-year-old is presently Barcelona’s fifth-choice central defender behind Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen this season after entirely losing favor under Xavi Hernandez.

There have been rumours that Pique and Xavi, do not get along. Atletico Madrid wants to take advantage of this by swooping in to sign Pique in the January transfer window. According to the source, Jose Maria Gimenez’s injury problems make him a liability, and Rojiblancos manager Diego Simeone is dissatisfied with the performances of his centre backs Felipe, Mario Hermoso, and Stefan Savic.

Since his return from Manchester United in 2008, following a four-year absence, the 35-year-old has participated in more than 600 matches for the team. The center-back was one of the players that took a wage reduction after Covid’s football season was suspended, and he kept doing so because of the club’s financial difficulties. Many recruits wouldn’t have been able to play for the club without him, therefore the Spanish giants owe him a sizable quantity of money.

Also Read: Gerard Pique’s ex- partner Shakira set to approach court in Spain for an alleged £13 million tax scam: Reports

Gerard Pique’s helped Barcelona financially by reducing his wages

gerard pique
gerard pique

Due to getting paid back what he was originally owed, the defender is now among the team’s best earners this season, which is a major issue for them. If the manager continues to leave him out of the lineup, the club may choose to terminate his contract early, according to one rumour, though it may not be necessary.

The negotiations over Antoine Griezmann are threatening to become contentious, which isn’t exactly improving the relationship between Barca and Atletico. The forward is at the Wanda Metropolitano on loan from the Nou Camp team but is currently having trouble getting more than 30 minutes a game. This is because of a condition in his loan agreement that requires his temporary relocation to become a permanent one for €40 million, a sum Atleti would prefer not to pay.

According to reports, Barcelona has threatened legal action since they believe their competitors already owe the whole sum for the former Real Sociedad player. Barcelona’s position on the price Atleti must pay for Griezmann may even be softened by the potential of signing Pique and taking his wages off their hands.

The defender, who is confident in his ability to play at a high level despite getting older, would find it advantageous as moving would give him more playing time. On the surface, it would seem like an improbable transfer, but it makes sense!..

Also read: Who is Phil Foden’s wife? All you need to know about the couple’s dating history

Do follow us onGoogle News |Facebook |Instagram |Twitter