Atletico Madrid could be Pique's surprise next destination
FT Desk
- 29 Sept 2022 14:05 BST
- 3 min read
Gerard Pique's glittering Barcelona career looks set to come to an end this season, but the 35-year-old centre-back could still continue his career in La Liga with Atletico Madrid.
A former La Masia academy player alongside Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas, Pique returned to Barca from Manchester United in 2008 and has since racked up 659 appearances in all competitions, winning three Champions Leagues along the way.
But things have gone sour for him at Camp Nou this season. Fellow centre-backs Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen have been signed from Sevilla and Chelsea respectively - the former in a €50m deal - and Pique has only played 134 minutes of football.
Xavi and Barcelona are hoping that Gerard Pique retires at the end of the season, according to Sport 👋 pic.twitter.com/r2Wp39Zugr
— Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 19, 2022
Pique's contract signed in 2018 made him the best-paid defender in world football, and although he subsequently agreed to reduced terms during the coronavirus pandemic, Barca would still save some €53m should Pique retire.
But he reportedly has no intention of doing so, and Atletico could offer him a way to extend his career in the Spanish top flight, and indeed in the Champions League. The fact Atleti have Antoine Griezmann on loan from Barca could help their cause.
'Two birds with one stone'
"Atletico would kill two birds with one stone," report Sport. "On the one hand, they would manage to recruit a natural centre-back to their squad and, additionally, his recruitment could serve to lower the €40m clause los Colchoneros must pay for Antoine Griezmann."
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Griezmann has been back on loan at Atletico for the last two seasons having initially left in a €120m move to Barca in 2019, but Atleti have been trying to avoid making the deal permanent for €40m, hence they have been largely restricting him to 30-minute cameos this season.
Atletico hope taking Pique off Barca's wage bill will see the Catalans agree to reduce Griezmann's fee. And on a sporting level, Diego Simeone has run out of patience with some of his incumbent centre-backs like Felipe and Hermoso.
