Barcelona and Atletico Madrid directors to battle for €16 million-rated La Liga defender

The battle between Mateu Alemany and Deco could have another chapter before the transfer window closes, according to SPORT.

The sporting directors of Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona are once again competing for Jorge Salinas, one of the most promising young defenders in Spanish football.

The story also has an obvious personal dimension. The relationship between Alemany and Deco has carried some tension since the period when they worked together at Barcelona.

The arrival of the Portuguese in the club’s sporting structure changed the balance of power within the sporting department and eventually preceded Alemany’s departure.

The final stage of Alemany’s time alongside Joan Laporta was not particularly straightforward either. Their relationship deteriorated over differences in sporting planning and management, eventually leading to hisexit.

Now at Atletico, he finds himself competing with Barça in several transfer operations.

Gearing up for a battle with Mateu Alemany. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The player at the centre of the latest battle is Salinas, a Racing Santander defender who can play both left-back and centre-back.

Barça have been following him for some time, with Deco particularly impressed by his versatility and room for development.

Atletico have also stepped up their efforts to sign him. The problem is that Racing are unwilling to negotiate downwards and have drawn a clear line: anyone who wants the player must pay his €16 million release clause.

Until now, Barça have been reluctant to pay the full €16 million. The club considered the player’s actual value to be considerably lower and preferred to find a cheaper transfer formula or include additional variables in the deal.

Racing, however, have remained firm. That left Deco with a choice: withdraw from the race or accept the full cost of the release clause.

The situation could change in the coming hours. The potential departure of Alejandro Balde could open a door that previously seemed closed. The Barcelona left-back is a target for Manchester United.

Salinas is a target for both Barcelona and Atletico. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

A deal for Balde would put Barça in a stronger financial position when it comes to signing Salinas.

What was considered an expensive fee a few weeks ago could become a manageable investment in a young defender with room to develop and the ability to cover more than one position.

Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes represents both Balde and Salinas and is working to make the two moves fit together.

Mendes is trying to facilitate Balde’s departure to Manchester United, while also pushing for Barça to complete the signing of Salinas.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, remain unwilling to pay the full release clause. That resistance could ultimately work in Barça’s favour if Deco changes his position and agrees to the €16 million demanded by Racing.

The final outcome therefore appears to depend heavily on what happens with Balde.