Barcelona holds an 18 million euro purchase option for Yannick Carrasco starting July 1, but the club faces a crucial question: will that option be exercised or not?
A fresh chapter unfolds in the ongoing narrative between Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid. In recent seasons, both clubs have intertwined their transfer stories with a mix of bold moves and varied outcomes in the market. Names such as Villa, Arda Turan, Luis Suárez, Saúl, Joao Félix, and Memphis Depay have figured prominently in these cross-town moves. The latest twist centers on the Belgian winger Carrasco. In January, the two clubs confirmed the transfer of Memphis Depay to Atlético de Madrid for 3 million euros plus a variable; within that deal, an independent purchase option for Carrasco was agreed, set at roughly 18 million euros. If Barca pays that sum after July 1, Carrasco would join them. If not, he remains at Atlético Madrid, where his contract runs through June 30, 2024. [Goal]
Only four months later, the landscape has shifted notably, especially for Barcelona. Faced with the need to trim their wage bill by around 200 million euros and dealing with fair play constraints, Barcelona is weighing the possibility of ultimately not paying the agreed amount for Carrasco. The player remains of interest to Xavi and the club’s technical staff, but current information suggests an intention to renegotiate the deal and reduce the price. Barcelona reportedly enjoys a strong relationship with Carrasco’s intermediary, Pini Zahavi, a close associate of Barcelona president Joaan Laporta, and there is belief within the club that they could offer additional players to lower the financial burden in any potential swap. [Goal]
Atlético Madrid, by contrast, is sticking to the terms laid out in January. If Barcelona wants Carrasco, they would be required to honor the agreed price. If Barcelona declines, Carrasco will continue in Atlético’s squad next season, where he remains a key asset for coach Diego Simeone. And should Barcelona show interest in any other player, Atlético hints they would pursue those possibilities independently of the Carrasco deal. The Belgian, meanwhile, remains calm and focused on finishing the season strongly. He has put his future in the hands of his agent and understands that, regardless of Barcelona’s actions, Simeone continues to trust him for the path ahead. [Goal]
With less than two months remaining in the season, another strategic duel between Atlético and Barcelona has begun, centered on the July 1 deadline. Each club will push their agenda: Barcelona pressing to renegotiate and potentially surface a bargaining chip to reduce the cost, Atlético holding firm to the original agreement and ensuring every euro is accounted for in the January deal. The dynamic keeps both fans and analysts watching closely as the window approaches. [Goal]