Robert Fernandez admits Barcelona target Luciano Vietto “is a very good player” as the club “have a lot of confidence” in Sergi Samper.
Vietto is reportedly nearing a move to Barca, who have made the signing of a fourth forward a priority this summer, and Robert confessed his admiration for the Argentine, while speaking highly of Samper, who will sign a new contract next week, and confirming Douglas was headed for the exit door.
“[Vietto] is very good player, with very good characteristics. He’s at a great club [in Atleti],” he said at Samuel Umtiti’s unveiling on Friday.
“What I want [for Douglas] and my concern for him is that he plays every Sunday, and it’s not easy to negotiate [on those terms].
“If everything depended on me, it would be all sorted. What I want is for him to develop, he needs a structure to develop in and every day I think about his situation.
“He wants to play at Barca, but it’s not easy for him as there’s a lot of competition. Another team? That’s clear, but it must be favourable for the player.
“[Samper] will renew [his contract] next week, but all players must earn their place in the team.
“He always wanted to succeed at Barca and had options to leave. We have a lot of confidence in this player.”