A young footballer in a red and white shirt stands next to a middle-aged man with a beard and a blue shirt at a press conference.

New Plot Twist: Old Transfer Threatens Pablo Barrios and could Arive Now

Pablo Barrios may have to be on his toes as an old dream for Atlético Madrid could be back on agenda

Atlético de Madrid wants to take a step forward in the season that is beginning, which had a good start. The team led by Diego Pablo Simeone , after a good start, wants to continue growing in all competitions. For this reason, it needs to have its sights set on improving its midfield and accompanying Pablo Barrios.

The youth player, after suffering the injury that has kept him out for several weeks, could have a rival. The midfield is one of Atlético de Madrid's main priorities, and it seems that an old target is back on their radar. In this way, Diego Pablo Simeone's men continue to dominate the news in the transfer market.

Football player wearing Atlético de Madrid shirt on the playing field.
An old target for Atlético de Madrid returns to their radar to compete with Barrios | Atlético de Madrid

An old target for Atlético de Madrid returns to their radar to compete with Barrios

After the option of Adrien Rabiot, who signed for Olympique de Marseille, fell through, the search must go on. Logically, Atlético de Madrid must set its sights on other names to compete with Pablo Barrios. In fact, the one who was an old target could become so again in the coming months.

This is the case of N'golo Kanté, who, despite playing in Saudi Arabia, continues to improve his performance. After it was reported months ago that Atlético de Madrid were interested in him, this could be his moment. This way, Pablo Barrios would have a "rival" for a place among the eleven.

The Reason Why Kanté could Not Become a Rival of Barrios at Atlético de Madrid

Last summer, it was debated that the former Chelsea player could be put under Diego Pablo Simeone's orders. However, his team flatly refused to let N'golo Kanté become a new Atlético player. Pablo Barrios was thus able to breathe a sigh of relief about the possibility of his arrival.

Smiling person in a blue sports jacket and a green background.
The reason why Kanté could not become Barrios's rival at Atlético de Madrid | Europapress

Atlético de Madrid, waiting for a key factor for Pablo Barrios's rival

As Wilmer Ayala points out, the midfielder, who has a contract with Al Ittihad until 2026, could be a priority. The key to this operation is to be able to get his salary reduced to reach Atlético de Madrid. Not in vain, he currently earns 50 million euros per season, a restraint for the Spaniards.

Thanks to this, Pablo Barrios can rest a little more easily, as Atlético de Madrid cannot afford such a large outlay. Therefore, the main option for the colchoneros is to convince N'golo Kanté to lower his salary. Only this way can they have a chance of signing him.