Atletico Madrid could swoop away Barcelona-bound World Cup winner

Barcelona appeared to have their first signing of the summer tied up in the form of Guido Rodriguez.

Indeed, over the past few weeks, it has been suggested that the Argentine international midfielder has reached an agreement to join Barça as a free agent when his contract at Real Betis expires.

However, this week, it has been suggested that there is a possibility that the 30-year-old’s move could end up collapsing.

That is because the agreement that Barcelona and Rodriguez shook hands over ends today, i.e. May 31, opening the doors for other clubs to make a move for the midfielder.

Atletico Madrid plotting swoop

Indeed, with Barcelona not executing the pre-agreement with Rodriguez so far, it opens the avenue for him to accept offers from other clubs.

Now, Mundo Deportivo reports that Atletico Madrid could plot a swoop for Guido Rodriguez and sign him for free once his contract at Real Betis runs down.

Guido Rodriguez no longer certain about joining Barça. (Photo by Rodrigo Valle/Getty Images)

Los Colchoneros are long-term admirers of the 30-year-old midfielder and the fact that he will be available for free makes him an attractive target for Diego Simeone & co.

Rodriguez is currently away with the Argentine national team preparing for the Copa America that is set to start in a few weeks.

The defensive midfielder’s idea was to leave everything closed with Barcelona to focus on the tournament to be held in the United States, but it will not be so because the Catalan club cannot guarantee the registration of the player at this point.

So, from tomorrow, 1 June, Rodriguez can negotiate and sign with any other team, as Barcelona will have lost the preferential option they had for the Argentine international. And Atletico can take advantage of this.