Barcelona will reportedly have to compete with Atletico Madrid to sign 35-year-old World Cup winner Angel Di Maria this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Angel Di Maria is the subject of interest from Atletico Madrid. The 35-year-old World Cup winner is also a target for Barcelona. And the two La Liga clubs can sign the veteran attacker in a Bosman move if he leaves Juventus as a free agent.
Angel Di Maria has journeyed through Europe since joining Benfica over a decade and a half ago. His stock then skyrocketed during a four-year stint with Real Madrid before he encountered a blip at Manchester United. But the Argentine international rose in stature again after joining Paris Saint-Germain in August 2015.
Di Maria’s stint with PSG ended last summer before he joined Juventus in a Bosman move. And despite enduring an injury-riddled campaign, the veteran has seven goals and six assists in 21 appearances. He also won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. But the 35-year-old will become a free agent this summer, thus alerting Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona attempted to sign Di Maria last summer before a move failed to materialise. The 35-year-old eventually opted for Juventus, but Barcelona’s interest remains. And it is not hard to see why the Catalan giants want to secure his services, despite his advancing age. With Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati struggling, Barcelona can do with an experienced wide attacker.
The World Cup winner can thus be a short-term solution for Barcelona on the right flank. He will provide a goal threat while also bolstering Xavi Hernandez’s creative options. But the Blaugrana will face stiff competition from Atletico Madrid for the veteran winger.
Atletico Madrid will embark on a squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. And Diego Simeone will need at least one experienced player to steer his team to stability. The Colchoneros have shown interest in several attackers, including Roberto Firmino. But Di Maria will be a solid addition to Simeone’s squad.
Meanwhile, Juventus might also look to secure another year of Di Maria’s career. But the 35-year-old World Cup winner has also expressed his desire to return to his homeland. So it will be interesting to see if Barcelona or Atletico Madrid can land the veteran in a Bosman move.
