Atlético de Madrid has set one of its goals to rejuvenate a squad that has been getting older for several years, needing to make urgent changes. The first step was achieved last summer, managing the departure of footballers whose situation was very complicated, especially due to the lack of clubs interested in signing them. Nevertheless, the improvement in the colchonero team is evident, managing to stay in the fight for all titles and adding high-level reinforcements.
This process is intended to continue in the summer market and names of young talents that would be on the club's agenda are beginning to emerge. The rojiblanco team has long been linked with one of the biggest promises of Benfica, an entity that takes care of the youngest players. Obviously, it won't be one of the priorities for the sports management, but at the Metropolitano they are always alert to future stars who have room to keep growing.
A New Talent from Benfica
The Portuguese team has managed to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League after a tough knockout round against Monaco that was solved on Portuguese soil. Precisely, in Benfica's attack, Schjelderup, a Norwegian international who has been rumored for some time to land at Atlético de Madrid, was a starter. He didn't start the season being important, but he has been gaining prominence in recent weeks, starting in several matches.
He has played 24 matches this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists, good numbers considering he has played less than 1,000 minutes. His market value is 10 million euros, an affordable figure for any club in Europe that seeks to incorporate promising players in the summer. Obviously, being a left winger, he would have a lot of competition, as Samuel Lino and Conor Gallagher maintain a fierce competition on that flank.
The Unknowns of Atlético de Madrid
Beyond the players whose contracts are ending, in the rojiblanco team there are other footballers whose role this season may lead them to change scenery. One of them is Rodrigo Riquelme, who has lost all prominence compared to last season, in which he was a tough competitor for Samuel Lino on the left wing. Simeone's change of scheme has left him with almost no opportunities, with his last great performance being the knockout round against Elche in January.
The same situation as Reinildo, who has an automatic renewal option if he plays 45 minutes in 20 matches this season. Javi Galán has won the position thanks to his work and, in fact, a possible renewal of the Extremaduran is already in the air, as his contract ends in 2026. Nevertheless, the Mozambican is having prominence in specific moments, having more defensive virtues than his rival.