Joan Laporta is on a roll. In recent years, Atlético de Madrid has been able to take advantage of its relationship with FC Barcelona, achieving transfers and agreements that have favored the Colchoneros. The case of David Villa and Luis Suárez is especially symbolic: both players, champions with Barça, arrived at Atlético practically for free and achieved significant successes with the Madrid club.
Furthermore, the case of Antoine Griezmann was another eye-catching operation. Barça paid more than 100 million for the French striker, only for Atlético to get him back at a reduced price. However, it seems that Joan Laporta and his team are willing to hit back, and the target to do so could be Samu Omorodion.
Barça's interest in the 20-year-old striker has intensified, with insiders suggesting the player could be in the club's sights as early as 2025. The move also suggests that Barcelona are already planning for a future without Robert Lewandowski, who is now 36.
The young attacker from Melilla has made a great impression both at Granada and during his time at Alavés in LaLiga and currently at Porto in the Primeira Liga. This type of player, with potential and goalscoring abilities, fits in with Barça's vision of renewal.
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Atletico Madrid currently own 50% of Omorodion's rights. They opted to transfer the other half to Porto for 15 million euros. The Portuguese club was quick to impose a 100 million euro release clause, aware of the striker's potential and his appeal on the European market.
According to some sources close to Deco, Barcelona would be willing to pay this figure. In fact, they have reached a preliminary agreement with Porto. However, no official statement has yet been issued.
Laporta and the sporting director, Deco, know that this operation would be an opportunity to make up ground on Atlético de Madrid. On the other hand, Barça is already working on the salary management of its current squad to make room for new transfers. Lewandowski, who has demonstrated his commitment to the club, would be willing to accept a salary reduction, which would allow resources to be allocated to future transfers.
If Omorodion's transfer is successful, Barça would be getting a promising striker. In addition, it would send a clear message to Atlético: market opportunities can play in favor of any team. There is an added value: Samu already knows Barça's players from the lower categories of La Roja. Especially Pau Cubarsí: they played together in the Olympics and now they are playing again in the senior team.
The Omorodion operation, although still hanging in the air, is a strategic step that could represent a change in the transfer dynamics between Barça and Atlético.