Three months remain to decide Carrasco’s fate: if Barça pays, he moves; if not, the situation stays fluid.
Yannick Carrasco’s future remains unresolved. After Atlético Madrid secured Memphis Depay on a three-million-euro deal plus additional variables, Barça sought to take Carrasco on a loan through the season’s end. Diego Pablo Simeone considered Carrasco indispensable, believing he would be a central figure until the season’s close. He explained his stance to the Belgian, and Atlético stood firm, with the contract due to expire on June 30, 2024.
Purchase option set just under 20 million euros
Years ago, there were strong indications Carrasco would renew with Atlético. Yet the club ultimately sent an offer to his agent, who rejected it. The agent, Pini Zahavi, is also known for handling Barça star Robert Lewandowski’s affairs. After the agent’s refusal, Atlético and Barça reached a consensus: Barça would have a purchase option in which paying just under 20 million euros would allow the club to sign Carrasco. Barça would decide at season’s end whether to activate the option or pursue other targets.
Barça’s payment would secure Carrasco despite other offers
If Barça commits the agreed amount, Carrasco’s transfer would be secured regardless of competing bids, even if those offers are higher. Atlético agreed to that framework. However, Barça’s financial constraints and fair-play considerations could lead to a different outcome, with the possibility that Barça elects not to exercise the option. In that case, Carrasco could move to another club or even terminate his contract. Atlético’s contract status would then be unaffected, with the June 30, 2024 expiry looming over all parties.
Choosing between purchase, renegotiation, or a new scenario
The decision rests with Barça. Atlético remains calm, knowing Barcelona holds the decisive leverage. If Barça does not part with the agreed money, Atlético could explore other avenues for Carrasco’s future. Barça will likely seek talks to renegotiate the price with Atlético, while Atlético keeps its options open. If the purchase option is not exercised, a fresh set of possibilities emerges, keeping three months of maneuvering ahead. Barça and Atlético will again play their cards—each weighing costs, timing, and strategic fit. The central question endures: will Barça fund the option, or will they press for a price tweak instead?
In this tug-of-war, both clubs assess sport performance, squad needs, and financial balance. Carrasco’s versatility and experience remain valued assets, and his fate hinges on a precise mix of sporting timing and budgetary prudence. The coming weeks will reveal whether the Belgian winger stays with Atlético under a renewed agreement, joins Barça under the purchase clause, or charts a different course elsewhere as the summer transfer window approaches.