It is Atlético de Madrid's big dream for this winter transfer window and, even if it were not possible now, it would be possible in the summer. David Hancko has not left Atlético's agenda and continues to be the top priority for the future. The Slovakian has not forgotten Atlético's club either and is still interested in landing at Civitas Metropolitano as soon as possible, Simeone and Gil Marín are thinking of him.
Simeone's dream that never came
The player currently belongs to Feyenoord and will play in the Champions League with the Rotterdam team, where he is in his third season. Diego Pablo Simeone fell in love with David Hancko last season, when they faced each other in the Champions League . At that time, ' Cholo ' saw a strong centre-back, with defensive solidity, ball-out and arrival into the opposing area, characteristics that the coach highly appreciates in his tactical scheme.
His high level led him to play in the European Championship with Slovakia , where he was better known and seen. He was the great desire of all the red-and-whites this summer, along with Robin Le Normand , to be able to reinforce the defensive area. He was not able to arrive as the Breton did, but that does not mean that his signing has been abandoned definitively, but it has been put on hold for the future.
Clément Lenglet has a challenge: he must win over Simeone
The club knows that Clément Lenglet is a good player and that he is a more than interesting addition to the red-and-white defence . Although they are aware that, for him to reach the level that Diego Pablo Simeone demands, the Frenchman still has a long way to go. In any case, if the season is good, since there are still many games to play, the permanence of the Beauvais native in the 2025 squad is not ruled out.
There is still a long way to go before that happens, and the club is clear that, as of today, the test has not been passed and that negotiations will have to be held with Barcelona . Although the Frenchman still has two seasons left on his contract with the Blaugrana. The future is unpredictable and you never know what can happen, in the squad, however, Clément Lenglet was well received and they believe that he will end up contributing.
Next summer will be key for the defensive side
Next summer, the red-and-whites are expected to have a major shake-up in the central defence. The departures of Axel Witsel , César Azpilicueta and Reinildo Mandava seem certain, which is why the club is moving quickly. This year, only part of what needs to be done to improve the team has been done, as demanded by Diego Simeone and Gil Marín himself.
Feyenoord are demanding 45 million euros for their player, who has a contract with the Dutch club until 2028, and they are not going to make it easy. He is a key player for them and one of their key players, despite having only been with their club for three seasons. Champion of the Eredivisie and winner of the Cup under the command of Arne Slot , now Liverpool coach, the next step could be to work with Diego Simeone .
The Colchoneros themselves, with players like Jan Oblak at the helm, have demanded an effort in a line that they consider key. They understand that they need another like Le Normand and remember the leadership that Mario Hermoso had in the locker room.