Atlético de Madrid know that they need to sign a top-level left-footed centre-back to complete a squad that is ready to win titles. At the end of last season, Simeone asked for a series of mandatory reinforcements to be able to compete and not fall behind. Gil Marín has listened and has invested like he had never done before.
The missing piece to complete what would be a perfect transfer market is David Hancko. The Feyenoord centre-back has been Atlético Madrid's desire since July, but his club is not making things easy. However, Gil Marín has decided to personally handle this operation in order to close it as soon as possible.
It does not depend on another sale
It has been said quite a bit in recent weeks that Atlético de Madrid need to make a good sale in order to be able to make this signing. However, as Marca has commented in one of its latest reports, this is not the case. The player with the highest value who is on the way out is Samu Omorodion, but his sale is not mandatory.
It is clear that he would help the club a lot financially, but Atlético, whether he sells or not, is sticking to its latest offer. They have offered Feyenoord a fixed 30 million euros plus 20% of any future sale. The Dutch club was asking for a fixed 35 million, but Gil Marín is confident of closing the signing with this offer, the last one it will make.
The future of the Slovakian centre-back is expected to be resolved this week, as he is currently training normally with his team. Simeone is clear that he needs a reliable left-footed centre-back, so if it is not Hancko, it will have to be someone else who arrives.
Lenglet in the bedroom
Atlético de Madrid have had an agreement with Lenglet for several days, but he is not the favourite option. The red-and-white club have him as a plan B, but Barcelona are not at all sure about this operation. They consider that it would be reinforcing a direct rival and they do not want to repeat past mistakes.
This week will be crucial, if Hancko is signed, the squad will be complete. On the other hand, if Feyenoord continues to oppose a sale, Lenglet could return to the scene.