The relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona has reached a new low, with the two Spanish giants finding themselves on opposite sides of the transfer market.
According to Jose Felix Diaz of AS, the relationship between the two clubs has broken down completely, with their rivalry now extending beyond the pitch and into their plans for the summer transfer window.
Several of Real Madrid’s moves have also involved players who were on Barcelona’s radar.
The likes of Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella were both linked with the Catalan side before eventually ending up at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The tension grew further when Real Madrid made a surprising €150 million offer to Atletico Madrid for Julian Alvarez, another player Barcelona continue to pursue.
Real Madrid and Barcelona collide in the transfer market
The relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona is completely broken. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The summer has seen Real Madrid and Barcelona repeatedly cross paths when it comes to recruitment.
Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella were among the players Barcelona had considered, but both eventually became part of Real Madrid’s plans. The same pattern has now emerged around Julian Alvarez.
Barcelona’s interest in the Argentine has been well documented, with the striker continuing to push for a move away from Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid’s decision to enter the picture with a €150 million offer, however, changed the scale of the situation.
Indeed, Atletico rejected that initial proposal, but it is said that Real Madrid were prepared to improve their offer, raising the possibility that Alvarez could eventually leave Atletico if the right circumstances develop.
The move inevitably placed Real Madrid and Barcelona in competition for another major signing.
Rodri has decided to sign for Barcelona. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Whether this is simply a coincidence or evidence of a battle over the same transfer targets, the result is clear: the relationship between the two clubs is reportedly becoming increasingly strained.
Rodri and Alvarez highlight the growing divide
The situations involving Rodri and Julian Alvarez underline the different paths both clubs are taking in the market.
Rodri’s future was at one stage linked with Real Madrid, and his arrival was something supporters had anticipated.
However, the player’s decision ultimately removed the possibility of a move to the Bernabeu, with the player now closer to Barcelona instead.
Real Madrid and Barcelona competing for the same players is nothing new, but the current situation could add tension to an already fragile relationship.