Atlético de Madrid is still planning for the next season and already has its eye on a new center-back to strengthen its defense. With the probable departure of Axel Witsel, who has been a key piece as a center-back this season, the club has turned its attention to Zeno Debast, a promising player from Sporting Lisbon.
The Belgian defender, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, is one of the names most favored by Atleti's sports management. Additionally, he could arrive joined by his teammate Viktor Gyökeres, a Swedish forward who has also been linked with the Madrid club.
Zeno Debast, Atlético de Madrid's Bet for Defense
At 21 years old, Zeno Debast has proven to be a center-back with great potential. This season he has played 30 games with Sporting Lisbon, establishing himself as a key piece in the Portuguese team's defense. His signing would fit perfectly into Atlético de Madrid's strategy, which seeks to rejuvenate its defense with footballers of high quality and growth potential.
Atlético has been exploring different options to strengthen its defense, with names like Piero Hincapié and Ousmane Diomande also on the agenda. However, the high cost of Hincapié has led the club's management to consider Debast as a more accessible alternative with great room for improvement.
An Operation Around 24 Million Euros
Debast joined Sporting Lisbon last summer from Anderlecht for 15 million euros. His good performance has increased his market value to 24 million, according to Transfermarkt. Although his signing won't be easy, Atlético de Madrid is willing to make an effort to bring him in as the ideal replacement for Axel Witsel in the club's defense.
Atlético de Madrid's interest in Zeno Debast is no coincidence. He is a center-back with great anticipation skills, good aerial play, and excellent ball distribution, characteristics that make him an ideal fit for Simeone's scheme.
Gyökeres, the Other Name on the Club's List
In addition to Debast, Atlético de Madrid is closely monitoring Viktor Gyökeres, a Swedish forward from Sporting Lisbon, who has been one of the standout strikers of the season. His potential arrival reinforces the idea that the club is looking at the Portuguese team as a key market for its upcoming signings.