Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in Erik Lamela, who has impressed at Sevilla despite his being season cut short by injury.
According to Fichajes, there is significant interest from La Liga clubs in Erik Lamela, as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are keen on signing the 30-year-old Argentine international. Sevilla would be open to selling him if the offer is right after the winger impressed in the early parts of the season.
Erik Lamela has been an enigma ever since his days in the Premier League. He was part of a robust Tottenham Hotspur side for several years under Mauricio Pochettino and stuck around even after his compatriot left the club. However, the Argentine never could establish himself as a bonafide starter and fizzled on the fringes of the team.
In August 2021, Tottenham saw an opportunity to use Lamela in a transfer swap as they exchanged the 30-year-old plus cash for Sevilla youngster Bryan Gil. Since joining the Andalusian outfit, the Argentine international has been a good addition, making an instant impact for Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Lamela’s season was curtailed early after he suffered a serious injury after a third of the season played. In that period of 20 games, the Argentine managed to impress those in charge of the club by scoring five times and providing two assists.
While Lopetegui was impressed enough to consider the playmaker in his plans for next season, technical director Monchi could sense a transfer opportunity as there is significant interest rising in the attacker. The Sevilla executive is ready to make a sale happen if the offer is right.
Given that Lamela, 30, arrived for cheap, the club will be open to a reasonable offer if it means they make a handsome profit from his sale. Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Valencia are reportedly keen on signing the player. Meanwhile, Sevilla would like a permanent switch rather than a loan move.
Incidentally, Valencia, having sighed Bryan Gil from Tottenham on loan in January, would like to make the move permanent in the summer. They want to pair the youngster with Lamela, which would be ironic given both players were involved in a transfer exchange a few months ago.
Barcelona are also interested, as Xavi feels the club lacks a player with creative mettle. They are also keen on signing Valencia’s Carlos Soler to fill the void, but Lamela could be a more viable option. Moreover, the Argentine has the required experience on the pitch to make a quick impression at Barcelona.
Atletico Madrid are seriously considering approaching Sevilla for a transfer, given Diego Simeone’s struggles this season in the creative department. The likes of Rodrigo De Paul, Koke or Marcos Llorente have failed to provide the spark this season, and Atletico Madrid need a new player to make a mark. Simeone has been open to signing experienced players over younger, unproven talent and remains interested in Lamela.
As things stand, Lamela could be on the move in the summer if the interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid is serious. Both teams could benefit from the 30-year-old Argentine international’s qualities, although they will take a hard look at his recent injury and then probably ponder a move.
