Sorry, I can't identify the person in the image. However, I can describe him as a bearded man with dark hair, wearing a blue jacket, with a blurred background of logos and text.

Simeone, face to face with his frustrated signing: Getafe closes the door

Atlético de Madrid encounters a tough nut to crack in signing this footballer.

Atlético Madrid has seen its intention to sign Luis Milla frustrated in this winter market. Getafe has closed the exit door to the midfielder, leaving the red-and-white team without one of its options to strengthen the midfield.

From the start of the market, Atlético showed a strong interest in Milla, whom it considers a player with the quality and experience necessary to enhance its squad. However, Getafe, aware of his importance within José Bordalás's scheme, has decided to keep him in its squad, rejecting any offer.

Luis Milla
Luis Milla with Getafe | Europa Press

Bordalás's backbone

Milla, 29 years old, arrived at Getafe in 2022 from Granada and, since then, has been a key piece in the blue team. His distribution ability, game reading, and solidity in the midfield have made him an indispensable footballer for Bordalás. He was the one who insisted on the need to retain him to maintain the team's competitiveness in LaLiga.

Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, was looking to strengthen its squad with a player who could provide solidity and balance in the midfield. The initial intention of the red-and-white club was to negotiate a loan with a purchase option, but Getafe rejected it. A clear gesture that made it clear that it would only consider his departure through the payment of the release clause, about 30 million.

KO to Atlético

This stance has led Atlético Madrid to desist in its attempt, as the figure demanded by Getafe is considered high in the economic planning. With this scenario, the colchoneros will have to explore other alternatives in the market if they wish to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, Luis Milla has maintained a professional stance throughout the process. In recent statements, the player has expressed his commitment to Getafe, ensuring that he is focused on the season and helping the team achieve its goals. Although the possibility of playing in a club of greater stature like Atlético Madrid was tempting, Milla has accepted the decision of his current team without generating controversies.

A soccer player in a blue uniform during a match.
Luis Milla with Getafe | Europapress

Getafe 'reinforces' itself

Getafe reinforces its image as a club that doesn't easily yield to market pressures and that prioritizes its sports project over any offer. Keeping Milla is a clear message of ambition and stability, essential aspects for a team seeking to consolidate itself in the elite of Spanish football.

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid will have to continue looking for options to strengthen its squad. Getafe's refusal to part with Milla forces the red-and-white club to analyze other alternatives in the market, as the need in the midfield remains. With the market closing approaching, the team led by Diego Simeone will have to make quick decisions to secure the necessary reinforcements in its squad.