Barcelona running out of time to sign Dutch midfielder, Atletico Madrid ‘running’ to sign player
It is no secret that Barcelona are in the market for a new midfielder this January as they look to add more depth in the middle of the park.
The injuries of Pedri and Gavi have left Xavi with limited options in midfield, thus forcing the club to scout for several available options in Europe.
Among the top targets include Aleix Garcia of Girona. But Barça had been also tracking the progress of Feyenoord starlet Mats Wieffer for some time now.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Wieffer has emerged as a star in Eredivisie and is courted by several top clubs across Europe.
Barcelona running out of time
To that end, however, it appears Barcelona are running out of time, as far as their pursuit of Mats Wieffer is concerned.
That is according to Diario SPORT, which suggests that Atletico Madrid are moving ahead, in the race to sign the Feyenoord midfielder.
The club from the capital are also keen on shoring up their options in the midfield department, with Wieffer emerging as the ideal target.
Despite being a defensive midfielder, Wieffer is a versatile star, who can also operate in an interior role, if required. That makes him an appealing target for Barcelona.
Barça must move fast
If Barcelona are to pip Atleti in the race to sign Wieffer, though, the club must act fast.
Unfortunately, the Catalans still have no proper clarity on the club’s Fair Play margins. This delay is causing Atletico Madrid to move ahead in the race.
Not to mention, Wieffer is also set to cost a fortune, with Feyenoord valuing the player somewhere around the €25-30 million mark.
