Diego Simeone’s men have shown interest in Barcelona’s Aleix Vidal.
The versatile right back was heavily linked with a move away from the Camp Nou, however, Vidal opted to stay put. Now, as per reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid are plotting a summer move for the Spaniard. While the player is clearly not a regular starter at Barcelona, they surprisingly slapped a €12m price tag on him.
Even though Vidal was looking for the exit door last month, no suitors were willing to match Barcelona’s demands. As things would stand, he remains a Catalan player at the moment. However, Los Rojiblancos are ready to offer the 28-year-old an escape route. Simeone’s charges are the newest members to make their interest known for the out of favour fullback.
Aleix Vidal on Atletico Madrid’s radar?
After being linked to Sevilla for the better part of last month, Vidal failed to attract any concrete offers. The Andalusians were reportedly pushing for a loan move, against the wishes of the Blaugrana. They wanted to get their hands off a player, who has managed a mere 44 appearances since 2015.
Although, according to Diario Sport, Atletico Madrid have decided to meet Barcelona’s asking price. The capital club believes they have an upper hand over the likes of Roma and Napoli who were also gunning for the Spaniard’s signature. After struggling for opportunities, in the majority of the campaign, Vidal has now expressed his desire to fight for his place.
Atletico Madrid will wait for Aleix Vidal https://t.co/X5wtpzR320
— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) February 2, 2018
“At no moment did I think about leaving,” said Vidal. “I’m fine here. There were lots of chances to go to various clubs, but I am here because the club made an effort to keep me.”
He further said,”I’ve had confidence since I arrived here. I give all I can day to day and if the coach is happy then great. You have to keep working, there’s no alternative. Back yourself and don’t listen to what the people say.”
Despite being named on the bench for much of the first half of the season, the 28-year-old has quite some belief in himself. He netted a crucial goal against Real Madrid in the Clasico and played a decent part in Barcelona’s recent 1-0 victory over Valencia.
The Camp Nou outfit travel to neighbours Espanyol on Sunday, looking to build on their lead at the top of the table.
Barcelona’s fringe defender Aleix Vidal.
Author’s Take
A new twist indeed in this prolonged transfer saga. After being linked to clubs aplenty, seeing Vidal staying put was a shocker. However, now that he has an exit route in Atleti, I feel it would be better for all parties to go forward with the deal. It will be interesting to see what the second half of this campaign has in store, for Aleix Vidal.
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