Soccer players in black uniforms in front of the Atlético de Madrid crest.

Neither Mosquera nor Yarek: Atlético de Madrid Fights for Another Top LaLiga Center-Back

The defense will be one of the main tasks for the sports management in the summer market.

At Atlético de Madrid, they are considering different names and profiles to strengthen the defense in the summer market, one of the tasks for the red-and-white team. It is likely to be the area of the field that will undergo the most changes once this season ends, needing to raise the level. It is true that the first steps were already taken last year, but the sports management intends to continue on that path.

Therefore, it is not surprising that there are several players linked with the colchonero team for a possible transfer, although it won't be easy. Everything points to a significant outlay being necessary to have a defense on par with the best clubs on the continent, a priority need for Simeone. In fact, several of these options are playing in Spanish soccer, a market expected to be exploited more than in the past.

Several Footballers from LaLiga

Since last summer, there are several players on Atlético de Madrid's agenda, some having been targets for this season. One of them is Cristhian Mosquera, for whom the red-and-whites made two offers to Valencia, although all of them were ultimately rejected. Another one they like, also at Mestalla, is Yarek, who has been gaining prominence this season and his contract ends next June.

A player in a red and white uniform holds a ball on the field.
Dani Vivian, one of the best center-backs in LaLiga | Athletic Club

However, the latest name rumored to join the colchonero team is Dani Vivian, a defender from Athletic Club. He is a regular international with the senior Spain team, and his release clause would be 40 million euros, having recently renewed until 2032. He is a key piece for Ernesto Valverde, especially in LaLiga and the Europa League, with other important teams interested in him.

Clubs Interested in the Premier League

Besides Atlético de Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United have also appeared on the list of possible destinations for the Basque defender. However, at Athletic Club, they will not facilitate his departure in any case and will only refer to his clause to let him leave in the summer market. The same situation has already been experienced with Nico Williams, who seemed very close to Barça, but his exit price was not reduced, staying at San Mamés.

Obviously, an option like Dani Vivian would allow Simeone to incorporate a center-back with immediate performance who knows Spanish soccer perfectly. However, there are other options on the table, as well as other areas that will also need to be strengthened for the next season. There are many possibilities, and the sports management doesn't want to rule out any scenario to continue improving their squad.