Bayern Munich are one of many European giants to have taken a keen interest in the Spanish market over the last few years. Last winter, they brought in Bryan Zaragoza from Granada, and although his signings has been underwhelming so far, they have not been deterred from looking again at La Liga.
The player that has caught their eye in recent months is Pablo Barrios. They have been following the Atletico Madrid midfielder for some time, and although there are reported to be competing with Chelsea, there appears a strong desire for a deal to be completed for the 21-year-old, who has had a very good season.
Recent reports have suggested that Bayern would be prepared to pay €70m for Barrios, but their desperation to sign the Spanish talent appears to be even greater than first thought. According to La Razon (via ED), the Bundesliga giants are willing to meet the release clause that Atleti put in his contract, which currently stands at €100m.
This news could have Atleti worried, but it appears not. The report states that they expect Barrios to remain at the club for many years to come, and there is also an expectation that a new contract, which has been in the pipeline for several months, will be offered – and agreed upon – at the end of the season.
Barrios has been one of Atleti’s standout performers so far this season. He came into the campaign as a backup option to Koke Resurreccion and Rodrigo De Paul, but he has now firmly established himself as a regular starter for head coach Diego Simeone. He even warded off competition from Conor Gallagher, who was one of last summer’s big-money arrivals.
It remains to be seen whether Bayern act on their interest in Barrios, but for now, Atletico Madrid are calm and confident about the situation.
