Barcelona snatch Bernardo Silva and Cucurella from Atlético Madrid in transfer market

FC Barcelona have inserted themselves into two deals that Atlético Madrid considered well underway, seriously complicating the Colchoneros’ recruitment plans this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The first concerns Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder, free of any contract after leaving Manchester City, was top of Atlético’s priorities, who saw in him an experienced signing without transfer fees. Barcelona’s candidacy has reshuffled the cards: Silva is expected to join Catalonia after the World Cup.

The second deal is that of Marc Cucurella. Pushed towards the exit by Chelsea despite a contract running until 2029, the Spanish left-back (23 caps) interests both clubs strongly. Atlético had positioned themselves first, but the player would be more seduced by a return to Barça, his academy club, where he hopes to establish himself as an undisputed starter.

These two setbacks come in a context of open tension between the two clubs. Atlético had publicly denounced Barcelona’s methods in the Julian Alvarez deal, which it deemed “demeaning”. Barcelona’s new interference on Madrid targets already identified should not ease relations between the two rival clubs before the end of the summer transfer window.