Man in black jacket in front of the Atlético de Madrid crest in a stadium.

Arrives with Álex Baena, Top Signing for Simeone: He's in LaLiga, Not Javi Guerra

The red-and-white club is interested in signing this player.

Atlético de Madrid hasn't made any moves during this winter transfer market. From the red-and-white club, they have conveyed that they didn't want to make any additions without guarantees that it would improve the squad's level. Furthermore, after the large financial investment in the summer, the intention was not to spend mid-season.

A man in a dark suit and black tie in a sports setting.
Simeone this season | Europa Press

However, things are going to be very different for the summer transfer market. The club's intention is to invest again in high-level footballers to consolidate the team among the best in Europe. One of the players most talked about in the red-and-white environment is Álex Baena, but he may not be the only midfielder from La Liga to join Atlético.

Simeone alert to Mallorca

Diego Pablo Simeone needs the arrival of a midfielder with work capacity and destruction. The Argentine coach has placed Gallagher on the left wing, leaving the midfield somewhat lacking, having only Koke, Barrios, and De Paul. This is why the sports management has been closely following a player from Mallorca for some time.

This is Samu Costa, the 24-year-old Portuguese who is having a high-level season. He has been performing in Spain for several years, and it seems this will be his last season in Mallorca. His market value is 15 million euros, but according to reports, his departure would be for about 20 million.

Mendes, key in the operation

Samu Costa's agent is Jorge Mendes, a famous agent with countless dealings at Atlético de Madrid. He already offered the midfielder's services to the red-and-white club in the past, but he was rejected. Now, Simeone's need to bring in a midfielder of his characteristics makes him a signing that could be real.

Samu Costa, in Atlético's sights
Samu Costa in a warm-up | Europa Press

However, his signing won't be easy either, as major European clubs are tracking him. AC Milan has shown interest in taking him this very transfer market, but Mallorca completely closed the door to a departure. In the summer, things change, as everything indicates he will take a leap in his career, and Atlético de Madrid is one of the clear candidates.