Jan Oblak is a legend at Atlético Madrid and has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for several years in a row. However, his performance has clearly dropped, despite still being a great goalkeeper. There has been speculation since last season about a possible departure of the Slovenian and the rumours are still active.
Oblak's decline and economic concerns
The main problem is that Oblak 's performance is no longer the same. His market value has fallen dramatically, from 100 million to 30 million euros. Despite this, Atlético Madrid still have to pay him around 83 million euros until 2028. This outlay is difficult to justify if the goalkeeper does not recover his best form.
Atletico Madrid's options
The club has been reducing the team's wage bill for several years, renewing the contracts of players who are willing to do so at a lower rate. A clear example has been Koke, who has reduced his salary by almost 50%, something that Simeone has also done in his latest renewal.
Other players, such as Mario Hermoso , believed that it was not fair for them to lower their salary and decided not to renew. Atlético de Madrid have discussed this issue with Oblak and his agent, but they have not wanted to hear anything about it. This has led the club to consider selling the Slovenian if a good offer arrives, as his current salary is enormous.
Simeone and Oblak's future
Diego Simeone has always had faith in Oblak, but the high cost of keeping him in the team is no longer sustainable. The dilemma is obvious: continue with a goalkeeper who does not perform at the level of his salary or find a solution that benefits the club.
The decision that Atlético make in the coming months will be crucial for its sporting and financial future. Oblak, a legend for the colchoneros, could be living his last days in Madrid if a satisfactory exit is not found.
Simeone's favourite option is Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili, but if Oblak doesn't leave, they won't make an offer for him. The problem is that the Georgian seems close to signing for Liverpool, so he will slip through the cracks for Atletico.