Joan Laporta looking at the camera with a rejected sign next to him under a spotlight

Atlético calls Laporta and snatches the signing of the new Pedri: Koke gives the OK

The red-and-white club has shown interest in a promising young Spanish player

Atlético de Madrid are keeping an eye on Alberto Moleiro , the young talent from Las Palmas who many compare to Pedri. The player, who has been closely followed by Barcelona, could end up wearing the red and white shirt. According to sources in Spain, the team managed by Simeone is considering making a statement in the next transfer market, snatching Moleiro from Barcelona.

Why is Moleiro the "new Pedri"?

Alberto Moleiro , just 21 years old, has dazzled in Las Palmas, standing out for his technical ability, vision of the game and maturity on the field. It is not unusual for him to be compared to Pedri, another Canarian who also shone in the island club before making the jump to Barcelona.

Moleiro with Las Palmas | Europa Press

Like Pedri, Moleiro has the ability to manage the pace of the match, play between the lines and offer offensive solutions, characteristics that have caught the attention of several teams. And although Barcelona seemed to have the advantage, Atlético de Madrid has entered the race strongly.

Simeone wants him in his team

Diego Simeone has made it clear that he sees Moleiro as an ideal player to reinforce Atlético de Madrid's midfield. The Canarian's mix of youth and talent fits perfectly into the generational renewal plan that the club has been developing. With signings such as Julián Álvarez , Atlético has shown its intention to build a competitive team not only for the present, but also for the future.

Alberto Moleiro with open arms
Moleiro celebrating a goal | Europa Press

Furthermore, Moleiro's profile is very much to Simeone's liking: hard-working, committed and with the ability to create play from midfield. The idea of bringing in the "new Pedri" has even received the approval of Koke, Atlético's captain, who knows the importance of maintaining quality in the centre of the field.

Barça loses ground

FC Barcelona, who have been closely following Moleiro's progress, could be seeing Atlético Madrid take the lead. The good relations between Atlético and Las Palmas could facilitate negotiations, something that could complicate Joan Laporta's plans to sign the young prospect. In addition, the Blaugrana team is not going through its best financial moment, which could play against it when it comes to competing with a firm offer from Atlético in January.

Alberto Moleiro next to the FC Barcelona shield
Moleiro and Barcelona | Cedida

The club from Madrid, on the other hand, has demonstrated its investment capacity in recent months, being the fourth team that spent the most in Europe during the last summer market. This financial muscle allows them to plan strategic moves such as the signing of Moleiro, which according to sources, could materialize in the next transfer window.

Saudi Arabia already tried it

It is worth remembering that Moleiro already had a significant offer last summer, when Al Hilal offered 20 million euros for his signing. However, the player rejected the proposal, making it clear that his priority is to continue his career in Europe. This rejection also shows the player's ambition to establish himself in a top-level league, something that Atlético de Madrid could offer him.