Diego Simeone wants Barcelona wonderkid at Atletico Madrid but club won’t entertain any approach

While Barcelona remain focused on finding a formula to sign Julian Alvarez, Atletico Madrid have reportedly identified teenage midfielder Marc Bernal as the player they would like to take in the opposite direction.

The latest Barcelona transfer news suggests that Atletico manager Diego Simeone is a long-time admirer of the La Masia graduate. 

However, despite ongoing contacts between the two clubs, Barcelona are unlikely to allow one of their brightest academy products to leave.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone continues to view Bernal as an ideal addition to his midfield, but Barcelona’s stance has become increasingly clear as preparations for the new season gather pace.

What’s the story?

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid remain in contact over a potential move for Julian Alvarez, although it is understood that negotiations are far from straightforward. 

The Spanish champions understand that convincing Atletico to part ways with one of their most valuable players will require creativity, particularly given the strained relationship between the two clubs.

Diego Simeone likes Marc Bernal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

One option explored has been the possibility of including players who are not expected to play prominent roles under Hansi Flick this season. 

Such a structure could help reduce the financial cost of any deal while offering Atletico immediate reinforcements.

However, the report states that Atletico’s priorities do not align with Barcelona’s plans. 

Rather than targeting fringe players, Diego Simeone has continued to show genuine interest in Bernal, a midfielder regarded as one of the most promising graduates to emerge from La Masia in recent years.

That difference in valuation has become another obstacle in negotiations, with Barcelona making it clear that Bernal is not considered expendable despite continued interest from the capital.

Barcelona will not sell Bernal

As reported by the outlet, Barcelona see the 19-year-old midfielder as untouchable under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona will not sell Bernal to any club. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

With a contract until 2029 and a release clause worth €500 million, Barcelona are completely opposed to selling Bernal, be it to Atletico Madrid or any other club.

This is because Barcelona are certain that the 2026/27 season could finally provide the consistency that Bernal was denied over the past year. 

With a full pre-season ahead of him, the midfielder is expected to compete for regular minutes and establish himself as another reliable option in Flick’s rotation. 

Those expectations explain why Barcelona are reluctant to even entertain the idea of including him in negotiations for Julian Alvarez. 

While the Argentine striker remains a priority target, club officials are equally determined to protect the core of a young squad they believe can define the next era at Spotify Camp Nou.