The winter transfer market is about to close, and clubs are finalizing their operations to complete them. In the case of Atlético de Madrid, things have been quite calm, as no major moves were expected. At most, one or two arrivals whose cost wouldn't represent a high expense for the club.
There has been much talk about Zinchenko in recent hours as a possible first and only reinforcement for the team in this market. However, and as an absolute surprise, Atlético de Madrid has acquired a young footballer, although he won't play for the colchonero club. Allen Obando, an 18-year-old Ecuadorian forward, has been acquired by Grupo Atlético de Madrid in a deal that marks a milestone in Ecuadorian football.
Allen Obando, new player of Grupo Atlético de Madrid
The transfer of the striker from Barcelona SC of Guayaquil has been closed for a figure close to 3 million dollars, a record sale for the Ecuadorian club. According to Carlos Alejandro Alfaro Moreno, the team's sporting director, Barcelona will retain a percentage of a future sale of the player, which could represent a great long-term business.
Obando has stood out in Ecuadorian football and in the Ecuador under-20 national team, where he has demonstrated his quality with notable performances and goals against teams like Bolivia and Brazil. His imposing physique, combined with his agility and ability to break free, has attracted the interest of several European clubs. However, as César Luis Merlo reported on X, Atlético de Madrid has been the one to seal the deal.
Destination: Atlético San Luis before arriving in Spain
Despite his signing by Grupo Atlético de Madrid, the immediate plan for Obando won't be to arrive directly at the Metropolitano. Everything indicates that his first stop in international football will be Atlético San Luis in Mexico, another club belonging to the group. There, the young forward will be able to continue developing and adapting to more demanding football before making the definitive leap to Europe.
However, his arrival in Mexico depends on the club freeing up a foreign player slot. If this doesn't happen, Atlético de Madrid might seek another solution for his progression, whether in another league or within the colchonero structure in Europe.