Atletico Madrid will reportedly look to bring in Barcelona defender Aleix Vidal in the summer, with the Spaniard available for around €10 million.
According to Spanish publication Sport, Aleix Vidal could finally have his wish for a move away from Barcelona granted, albeit in the summer. The Spaniard is on the radar of Atletico Madrid and Valencia, with Los Rojiblancos looking to bring the player over to the Spanish capital in the summer.
Aleix Vidal’s career has failed to take flight since he secured a move to Barcelona. Initially brought in to cover for the departure of Dani Alves, the player has floundered, often finding himself on the bench. His frustration over lack of playing time had boiled over, with the player demanding a move away from the club.
In January, Aleix Vidal looked to be on his way out of Barcelona, who were ready to part ways with the player for a fee around the €12 million mark. But, his January suitors – Sevilla and Napoli – were unwilling to pay the price, which ultimately saw Vidal stay put at the Nou Camp.
Under Valverde, Aleix Vidal has seen infusion of a fresh breath of life into his Barcelona career, with the player mostly used as an attacking option by the manager. Still, a total of 18 appearances so far this season points towards the fact that the Spaniard cannot be considered a Barcelona outcast anymore.
Aleix Vidal will stay at Barcelona and by June, they will be willing to sell him for 10M euros. Atlético Madrid and Valencia would be interested in signing him [sport]
— FC Barcelona Fl (@FCBarcelonaFl) February 2, 2018
However, he is still tipped to leave the club in the summer. And this time around, he has suitors with a better profile, with Atletico Madrid and Valencia interested in the 28-year-old. Also, reports suggest Barcelona are willing to do business around the €10 million mark now, having lowered their price to an extent.
Diego Simeone has Sime Vrsaljko and Juanfran as his options on the right side of the defence.
But, Juanfran is already 33 while Vrsaljko has been linked with a move away from the club, thus making the right-back position, a priority area for reinforcements in the summer. Aleix Vidal is very experienced in terms of La Liga football and could be the right man to bring over to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Aleix Vidal would also love the opportunity to join Atletico Madrid, as it would not be much of a step down from Barcelona. At Atletico, he can still vie for the best of trophies while also being able to enjoy Champions League football.
Barcelona, too, would not mind Vidal going to Atletico Madrid, especially if the club pays up the player’s €10 million price tag. A deal that looks very likely to happen at the end of the season.
