Barcelona and Atletico vie for Cádiz forward as reserve boost looms

Barcelona need fresh attacking depth for their reserve side Barça Atletic after missing promotion to the Primera Federación, and the Catalan giants see 21‑year‑old forward Borja Vázquez as the ideal solution. Spain’s rising talent could fill the gap left by recent departures and bolster the squad’s future.

The Blaugrana have presented a long‑term project aimed at integrating Vázquez into their academy structure. FC Barcelona hopes the forward will develop within Barça Atletic and eventually feed the first team.

Atletico Madrid opened talks with Vázquez’s representatives several weeks ago. Now the La Liga side is adding pressure to the three‑way contest for the Spanish striker.

Vázquez emerged as one of Cádiz’s most valuable young assets during a loan spell at Ponferradina, making 43 appearances, scoring four goals and providing four assists in the 2025‑26 campaign. His contributions helped Ponferradina, coached by Mehdi Nafti, push for promotion to the Segunda División.

Cádiz had already received a proposal from Barcelona while Vázquez was competing in the Segunda División promotion playoffs with Ponferradina, though the move did not materialise.

Several Segunda División clubs also approached Cádiz during the winter transfer window with offers for Vázquez, reflecting the striker’s rising profile.

Barcelona are prioritising Barça Atletic after failing to secure promotion to Primera Federación, having already signed Ignasi Quer and Hamza Abdelkarim to strengthen their forward line.

Juliano Belletti, overseeing the reserve squad, views Vázquez as a potential asset to add depth across the frontline, and the player’s Instagram account (@borja9vazquez) has been highlighted in reports.

With multiple clubs now involved, Vázquez’s next move could shape his development trajectory in Spanish football.