Atlético de Madrid will face a busy transfer market this summer, intending to strengthen several key positions for the next season. However, before making major signings, the red-and-white club will also need to offload several players. Rubén Uría has reported this in ElDesmarque, where he revealed the names of the footballers who could leave the Metropolitano in the coming months.
Three Defenders on the Way Out
One of the key points of the restructuring will be the defense. According to Uría, Atlético de Madrid plans to make significant changes in the backline, and up to three center-backs could leave. "If you look at the current squad, there are three center-backs who are going to leave. Witsel finishes his contract, Azpilicueta won't continue, and we have to see if Reinildo leaves, and if you keep Lenglet or not," the journalist stated.
The departure of Axel Witsel already seems certain, as the Belgian's contract ends and he won't renew. In the case of César Azpilicueta, his continuity is also ruled out, while Reinildo Mandava could be one of the surprises of the market if a good offer comes in. Additionally, the club will have to decide whether to exercise the purchase option on Clément Lenglet, who is still on loan from FC Barcelona.
Midfield, a Priority for Simeone
Beyond the defense, Uría highlighted Atlético's need to strengthen the midfield, a recurring request from Diego Simeone in recent years. "They've been trying for three years to sign a '5', a specialist in front of the defense. They don't have one. Neither Barrios, nor De Paul, nor Koke are a '5', so that will have to be signed in the summer," he explained.
The red-and-white club is already working on finding a defensive midfielder who can provide balance to the team and allow more freedom to the attacking midfielders. Álex Baena and Javi Guerra are some of the names strongly linked to the red-and-white agenda.
The Uncertainties of Koke and Griezmann
Beyond the movements in defense and midfield, Atlético de Madrid could face two losses that would go beyond soccer: Koke Resurrección and Antoine Griezmann.
"Let no one forget that Koke's contract ends on June 30, and Griezmann has a contract until 2027, but he might say 'this is as far as I go'."