Gerard Pique could make an extremely surprising move in the January transfer window, with the Barcelona legend's future at the Nou Camp in question.
Pique has been an incredible servant to Barcelona, helping them win eight La Liga titles, three Champions League titles and numerous other competitions.
The 35-year-old has played over 600 times for the club, since returning from Manchester United in 2008, after four years away from the club.
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Following football's pause in Covid, the centre back was one of the players who took a pay cut and he continued to do so due to the club's financial problems.
If it weren't for him several new signings wouldn't have been able to play for the club, leading to him being owed a huge sum from the Spanish giants.
This year the defender is one of the team's highest earners, thanks to him being paid back what he was previously owed, and that's a huge problem for them.
Pique hasn't played much this campaign, after they brought in Andres Christiansen and Jules Kounde in the summer, and that's led to a falling out with Xavi.
According to one report, the club could release him from his contract early, if he continues to be left out by the manager, but it may not have to come to that.
Spanish outlet OKDiario claim that Atletico Madrid are interested in the player, with Diego Simeone desperately wanting to add an experienced defender to his side.
Relations between Barca and Atleti aren't exactly great at the moment, with the negotiations over Antoine Griezmann threatening to get ugly.
The forward is on loan from the Nou Camp outfit at the Wanda Metropolitano but is struggling to get more than 30 minutes a game right now.
That's due to the clause in his loan deal, that would make his temporary move have to become a permanent one for €40 million, a price Atleti want to avoid paying.
Barcelona have reportedly threatened legal action, believing that their rivals already owe the full amount for the former Real Sociedad star.
The possibility of signing Pique, and taking his wages off their hands, might even end up softening Barcelona's stance on the amount Atleti have to pay for Griezmann.
It could also work for the defender, who believes he can continue to keep playing at the top level despite his age, with more football guaranteed if he moves.
It would certainly be an unlikely transfer on the face of things, but one which makes sense!
Topics: Gerard Pique, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone, La Liga, Transfers
Ryan Sidle