Image of Simeone in a montage with Gil Marín

Gil Marín, Fed Up, Talks to Simeone and Makes the Least Expected Decision

The red-and-white club goes for an unexpected recruit

Atlético de Madrid has their eyes set on Borja Sainz, one of the breakout players in the English Championship. His great performance at Norwich City has attracted the attention of several European teams, including the club from Madrid. Atlético is considering the possibility of making this deal, but the price that the English club is demanding —25 million— has placed the board at a crossroads.

Borja Sainz, the Spanish Winger Who Has Earned the Interest of Atlético De Madrid

At 22, Borja Sainz has had an unconventional path to success. Trained in the youth ranks of Athletic Club, Alavés and Real Zaragoza, the young winger decided to seek opportunities outside Spain, joining Turkish team Giresunspor and then Norwich City. At the English Championship, he has found the ideal showcase to prove his worth, becoming one of the stars of his team and of the category.

A soccer player in a yellow uniform makes a gesture of silence with one finger on his lips and another on his temple.
Borja celebrating a goal | Transfermarkt

Last season he left a good impression with 6 goals and 2 assists in 33 games, but this campaign he has made an impressive leap in quality. In just 17 games, Borja has 11 goals and 2 assists, numbers that have sparked the interest of several clubs. For the red-and-white club, his fast and direct style of play would fit perfectly into Simeone's scheme, but the transfer will not be so simple.

Norwich's position and Borja Sainz's price

There are no release clauses in English soccer, and Norwich City has put a clear price on the table to let their star player go: 25 million euros. This figure has complicated Atlético de Madrid's intentions, since the club's policy doesn't usually allow such high investments in young players from the Championship. Although Borja Sainz's quality and great potential are not in doubt, this price could be a major obstacle to closing the deal.

A Norwich City footballer performs a stunt in the air while controlling the ball during a match.
Sainz controlling a ball | Transfermarkt

Norwich is also aware that Atletico is not the only one interested. Villarreal has also shown interest in the player, which could make the transfer fee even more expensive. However, the English club is aware that this is the ideal time to make a significant profit on the player.