Manchester United have reportedly made contact to sign Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, as per transfer journalist Matteo Moretto.
The 23-year-old started his youth career at Moratalaz before spending six years with Real Madrid. He joined Los Rojiblancos’ academy at the age of 14.
After rising through their youth system, Barrios made his first-team debut back in 2022. Initially, he featured as a rotational option before playing regularly during the 2024/25 campaign.
However, the Spaniard struggled with fitness problems last term. Having recovered from his injuries, he has enjoyed a promising start this season, making two goal contributions across all competitions.
Barrios even helped Atlético Madrid beat Man Utd 2-0 in the Champions League by putting his name on the scoresheet earlier this month.
Now, on Marca’s La Pizarra de Quintana show, Moretto says (via Metro) that following a disappointing start this season, Man Utd are planning to address their issues next year to turn the situation around.
Despite revamping the midfield department by purchasing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba last summer, United are considering signing a new midfielder and want a player with the characteristics of Barrios.
Barrios to Man Utd
Michael Carrick’s side have already made contact with Diego Simeone’s side to learn about the details of signing him. Apart from Barrios, United are also interested in Fermin Lopez and have enquired about his availability.
Moretto said:
“There’s a Premier League club, Manchester United, that has a lot of things to sort out and is looking for a midfielder with the characteristics of Barrios and Fermin. They’ve inquired about both of them, there’s no negotiation, just an enquiry.”
Barrios is valued at around £58m by Transfermarkt and still has a contract until 2030. Therefore, Atlético Madrid aren’t in any rush to sell him.
Barrios is a box-to-box midfielder by trait but is also comfortable in the deep-lying playmaker position. He is quick, technically sound, can play threading passes between the lines, has an eye for long-range passing, and is efficient in defensive contributions.
The youngster is a talented player and possesses high potential. Therefore, he might be a shrewd acquisition for Man Utd should they purchase him. However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the Old Trafford club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services.
Other News
