It can't be denied that the winter market has been disappointing at Atlético de Madrid, although it is a situation applicable to all Spanish football clubs. Very few have been able to meet the needs of their squad, something that demonstrates the poor economic moment LaLiga is going through. In the case of the rojiblancos, they needed a signing for the left wing and the midfield, the two most weakened areas.
However, the sports management is working beyond signings, seeking to retain their most important players. For weeks, information has been emerging pointing to different names for which they will begin negotiating a contract extension. One of them is especially important due to the step forward he has taken this season and his ability to reinvent himself.
Simeone keeps his pillar
Something very evident is that Atlético de Madrid has considerably improved its level compared to what was seen in the previous season, in which they had to face many problems. The rojiblanco team fell at the crucial moment of the season, being eliminated from both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. They also didn't manage to put up a fight in LaLiga, being surpassed in the standings by a surprising Girona, something that was not well received.
Obviously, the summer market was a very important turning point to improve the squad and be able to look any club in the European continent in the eye. One of the reasons for this improvement is the step forward of some players who were questioned, with Rodrigo de Paul being a perfect example. The Argentine has been criticized and booed by the colchoneros fans, although this season he is being one of the main protagonists on the field.
Renewal in progress
The world champion's contract ends in 2026, but Atlético de Madrid has no intention of letting him go, rejecting an offer from England in the winter market. Other midfielders like Pablo Barrios and Koke will also have to sit down to negotiate their renewals, having two very different situations. In the case of Rodrigo de Paul, his agent was recently at the Metropolitano offices, and everything indicates that his desire is to continue as a colchonero.
It can't be forgotten that a very tempting offer could come from abroad, offering him a much higher salary than he would earn with the rojiblanco team. However, he is an undisputed starter for Simeone and is fully adapted to life in Spain, something very important for the player. Everything points to both parties being able to reach an agreement in the coming months, extending their relationship for a few more years.