Manchester City are preparing to reshape their midfield options this summer and reports in Spain suggest that Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios has moved to the front of their recruitment plans.
The 22-year-old, who helped Spain to Olympic gold in Paris last year, is regarded as one of the brightest talents in European football and fits the profile of the dynamic player Pep Guardiola wants to add to his squad.
Spanish media claim the Premier League giants have been monitoring Barrios for several months as they consider long-term successors to some of their established midfield figures.
City have refreshed their squad in recent seasons but Guardiola is keen to continue lowering the average age of the group while maintaining the technical standards that have defined his tenure.
Atletico are understood to value the midfielder at around €80 million, a figure that reflects both his importance to Diego Simeone’s side and the rapid progress he has made since breaking into senior football.
City officials are aware that negotiations would not be straightforward, yet there is growing confidence at the Etihad that a deal could be explored once the current campaign concludes.
Barrios has been on City’s radar since his breakthrough season in 2022/23 when he quickly became a regular at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Comfortable operating as a holding player or slightly further forward, he has impressed scouts with his composure in possession and his ability to dictate the rhythm of matches.
Those qualities are highly valued by Guardiola, whose system relies on midfielders capable of controlling space as well as the ball.
The Madrid-born player began his development within Real Madrid’s academy before switching across the city to join Atletico as a teenager.
That decision proved pivotal. Under Simeone’s guidance he was promoted to the first team at just 19 and has since accumulated close to 150 appearances, an exceptional tally for someone of his age.
During that period Barrios has contributed seven goals and ten assists, but statistics tell only part of the story.
His maturity, tactical discipline and willingness to take responsibility have marked him out as a leader in waiting.
Atletico supporters already view him as a central figure in the club’s future, which explains their reluctance to consider a sale.
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International recognition has also followed. Barrios played a significant role in Spain’s triumphant Olympic campaign in 2024, gaining experience on a global stage and further enhancing his reputation.
That success has increased interest from abroad, with several major clubs believed to have made informal enquiries.
The report by Spainsh outlet Fichajes states that Guardiola has already given his backing to the pursuit, viewing “his profile ideal for strengthening their midfield in the medium and long term.”
Such endorsement from the City manager usually carries significant weight when transfer decisions are made.
Although Bernardo Silva remains influential, he is approaching the later stages of his careers, while injuries have highlighted the need for greater depth.
Atletico, however, are in no rush to part with one of their prized assets. Any bid would have to convince both the club and the player that a move to England represents the right next step.
