Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing 21-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios to replace Joshua Kimmich.
Bayern Munich are preparing for a midfield overhaul this summer, with Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios emerging as one of their top targets. With Joshua Kimmich edging closer to a move to Paris Saint-Germain, the Bavarian giants need a young, dynamic midfielder to take his place, and Barrios has caught the attention of both the board and new manager Vincent Kompany.
At just 21 years old, Barrios has been steadily developing under Diego Simeone, cementing his role in Atletico’s midfield rotation. His intelligence on the ball, work ethic, and ability to play multiple roles make him an attractive prospect for Bayern’s system. However, with his contract running until 2028, prying the Olympics 2024 gold medalist away from the Spanish club won’t be easy.
Chelsea and Liverpool Also in the Race for Pablo Barrios
While Bayern Munich appear keen on securing Barrios, they are not the only European powerhouse monitoring his progress. Both Chelsea and Liverpool have registered their interest, setting the stage for a transfer battle in the coming months.
Barrios has made 28 appearances this season, delivering two assists and showcasing his ability to control the tempo of games. His versatility makes him a valuable asset for any midfield, as he can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder. Bayern see him as a natural successor to Kimmich, but with Chelsea and Liverpool also in the mix, securing his signature will require a strong financial commitment.
Chelsea’s aggressive recruitment of young midfielders suggests that they are building for the future, and Barrios would fit right into their long-term plans. With players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia already at the club, adding Barrios would further solidify their midfield.
The Spaniard’s ability to dictate play and break up opposition attacks could complement Chelsea’s existing options, giving them another technically gifted midfielder capable of executing Enzo Maresca’s possession-based system. Liverpool’s midfield revamp two years ago brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but they still lack a true defensive-minded controller to fill the void left by Fabinho’s departure.
While Wataru Endo has done a commendable job, Liverpool could benefit from another player who can help Ryan Gravenberch from being burnt out. Barrios’s ability to anchor midfield and adapt to different tactical setups makes him a strong candidate to integrate into Liverpool’s evolving squad under Arne Slot.
Will Bayern Munich Win the Race?
While Atletico Madrid will fight to keep him, a significant offer from Bayern Munich, Chelsea, or Liverpool could force them to reconsider as per Fichajes. The Bundesliga club’s urgency to replace Kimmich gives them a strong incentive to push for a deal, but the competition from the Premier League clubs means negotiations won’t be straightforward.
While Barrios is an excellent young midfielder with tremendous potential, Bayern Munich must consider whether he is truly ready to replace a player of Kimmich’s caliber. The Bundesliga is more physically demanding than La Liga, and Barrios would need time to adjust.
On the other hand, Chelsea and Liverpool offer intriguing opportunities, as both clubs are in the middle of rebuilding their midfields. If Barrios wants immediate game time, Chelsea might be his best bet, while Liverpool could provide him with the perfect environment to develop into a top-class holding midfielder.
Ultimately, it will come down to whether Bayern Munich are willing to make a decisive move or if one of the English giants swoops in first. Either way, Barrios looks set to be one of the most sought-after midfielders in the next transfer window.