In July 2023, Atlético de Madridannounced the signing of the Uruguayan center-back Santiago Mouriño, from Racing Club de Montevideo. The "colchonero" club conducted a thorough scouting of the Uruguayan center-back, whom they rated very positively. An agreement was reached with the Sayago team, and almost 5 million euros were paid to secure his services. He arrived and did the preseason with Simeone.
Subsequently, it was decided to loan him to Real Zaragoza to gain some experience in European soccer, although there were doubts about the destination. Valencia, Girona, and even the Mexican affiliate, Atlético de San Luis, were mentioned. Finally, it was the "maños" who secured the loan of the center-back for one season.
He returned this summer, repeated the preseason, and was transferred to Deportivo Alavés, with the "rojiblancos" retaining a buy-back option for the player trained at Nacional. This buy-back is 2.5 million euros in the first year and would increase in the following years. The plan is to execute the option this summer and already have control over the defender, who has played 15 matches with the Vitoria team.
Simeone Attentive to Mouriño
It is considered that Mouriño might stay at Atlético, especially with the departures that are expected in the defense. These are the cases of César Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and probably also Reinildo Mandava. The final decision will be made by Diego Pablo Simeone. Otherwise, Atlético could put him on the market and look for a stronger club than Alavés, perhaps one in the European zone, to continue controlling his future.
The "rojiblancos" know the enormous value of the Uruguayan center-back, whom many see similarities with Ronald Araújo. It is clear that he still has a long way to go to reach the level of his compatriot, but the club trusts that he can go very far. The footballer would be very pleased to return to the "rojiblanca" discipline and dreams of eventually debuting at Atlético.
Godín and Giménez Are His Mirrors
He feels a deep gratitude to the club for betting on him and wants to emulate his compatriots in the "colchonero" team. Both Diego Godín and José María Giménez are his idols and the greatest incentive the Uruguayan has to succeed with Simeone. The Argentine hopes that, like Giuliano, Mouriño can be another reinforcement who comes with experience from Alavés.
Carlos Bucero and Diego Pablo Simeone will continue to closely monitor his progress in the "blanquiazul" team. It seems that we are witnessing the last months of Mouriño at Alavés and that a return to Atlético is more than hypothetical. We will see if he stays or leaves again, perhaps the third time will be the charm for the Uruguayan player.