It's no secret that Diego Pablo Simeone has been looking for a reliable defensive midfielder for several years. The Argentine coach needs a player who combines technical quality and physical prowess, and the sports management knows this. That's why new names are added to the red-and-white agenda every year.
The "colchonero" club is exploring the Spanish market and seems to have found an option they really like. The sports management wants to bring in young talent, and the player they are after is Dário Essugo, the young player from Las Palmas.
Essugo, the new gem Atlético de Madrid is following
The Portuguese midfielder, just 19 years old, has established himself as one of the revelations of LaLiga EA Sports thanks to his physical prowess. His performance with the Canary team hasn't gone unnoticed, and both Atlético and Real Sociedad have shown interest in acquiring his services for the next season.
According to ElDesmarque, the red-and-whites have inquired with Sporting de Portugal about the conditions of a possible acquisition. Although his release clause is 60 million euros, the Lisbon team might be willing to accept an offer around 30 million. This figure is more affordable for a player with a promising future who hasn't yet turned 20.
Atlético and Real Sociedad, in the race for his signing
Atlético de Madrid has been searching for a high-level defensive midfielder for several seasons, and Essugo fits perfectly into the profile Simeone is looking for. His ability to cover the midfield, combining strength and quality, makes him an ideal option to strengthen an area that has raised doubts in recent years.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad is also closely monitoring his development, especially given the possible departure of Martín Zubimendi next summer. Teams like Liverpool and Arsenal have shown interest in the European champion, so the San Sebastián club is already looking for alternatives to strengthen their midfield.
For now, Essugo has decided to stay at Las Palmas until the end of the season, despite receiving offers to leave in this winter market. However, his future seems to be far from Gran Canaria, and Atlético already considers him one of the main options to reinforce the midfield in the 2025/26 season.