Atlético de Madrid started the season with a 2-2 draw away from home against Villarreal. Despite showing a good image in the first half, the problems of last season returned, the defensive fragility. Marcelino 's team, without generating any attacking output, found themselves with two goals from two defensive errors.
Despite the arrival of Robin Le Normand , who is clearly an improvement on what was there, Simeone needs a replacement for Mario Hermoso . The Spaniard was a key player last season, being one of the players who played the most minutes. It is crucial for a three-man defence to have a left-footed player who can bring the ball out well and that is what Atlético de Madrid are looking for.
Ruben Uria gives great news
Spanish journalist Rubén Uría is undoubtedly one of the most reliable sources of information on Atlético de Madrid. In his already famous Twitch chat he commented that the red-and-whites are going to make a final offer for Simeone 's favourite centre-back. This is David Hancko, the Feyenoord player that Gil Marín has been after since before the Euros.
For the coaching staff, the Slovenian is plan A and despite having had several offers rejected, they are going to try again. Hancko is a player who, in addition to being a centre-back, can perform at a high level as a left-back, despite his great height. In addition, he has a very clean way of passing the ball and is a very good goal-scoring defender, scoring seven goals last season.
His club does not have financial problems, so they are not making it easy for Hancko to leave. If Atlético Madrid want to bring him in, they will have to pay more than 30 million euros in fixed terms and close to 40 million euros including variables.
Simeone does not consider the market closed
In the press conference after the match against Villarreal, Simeone said that the squad was not finalised. He hinted that Gallagher had been signed, but also said that some more reinforcements were needed. Despite not naming names, it was very clear that the Argentine wants a left-footed centre-back to face the season in the best possible way.
It was Le Normand who played on the left and he looked a bit lost. For that position a left-footer is needed and Mario Hermoso, despite his defensive shortcomings, did a good job in bringing the ball out.