Barcelona to get millions from Atletico Madrid transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 2 Jan 2024 10:07 GMT
• 3 min read

Barcelona would receive a massive windfall should Atletico Madrid complete the signing of Mika Marmol.

The UD Las Palmas defender has been one of LaLiga's standout performers this season, helping to marshall the second-best defence in the league. The promoted side are enjoying a brilliant season and currently sit ninth with just 15 goals against.

Barcelona loanee Julian Araujo has been impressing at Las Palmas, but it is another man with Blaugrana ties who has caught the eye more than the former LA Galaxy star. 22-year-old La Masia product Mika Marmol has been one of the most eye-catching centre-backs in the division and he is left-footed, which makes him particularly attractive.

Indeed, Atletico Madrid are said to be hot on his tail, according to Mundo Deportivo, and a transfer materialising would also be great news for Barcelona.

Barcelona's windfall

That is because the Blaugrana have a 50 per cent sell-on clause, meaning that they will receive half of the transfer fee paid for the defender. However, this fact is also complicating the matter. Las Palmas, naturally, are reluctant to sell not just because of his importance to the team but also because of the Barcelona clause.

Atletico Madrid are said to be willing to pay €15 million for the 22-year-old, but as the Canary Islanders would only receive €7.5m, they are holding out for a fee closer to his €30m release clause. Diego Simeone's side, however, are not prepared to go that high.

At this stage, a deal appears unlikely to materialise unless the promoted side agree to lower their demands. There may yet be interest in Marmol's services from abroad, though.

Young, left-footed centre-backs are a sought-after commodity and many sides in Europe are looking for that player profile. Liverpool are just one, having been linked with Piero Hincapie, for example.