It had been many years since Atlético de Madrid signed any players in the winter transfer market, something that has happened this new year. It's not that the team didn't have gaps in their squad, as the intention was to find a player who fit the club's financial limitations. However, the sports management didn't find any name that matched that profile, and Simeone won't have any new additions for this second half of the season.
Even so, at the Metropolitano, they already had an eye on the summer market, a time when important decisions will be made for the red-and-white team. Many players are expected to leave, and there are three areas on the field that should receive signings to continue competing for all titles. Carlos Bucero is already hard at work to give another push to the planning, being in constant contact with Simeone to make decisions.
Atlético de Madrid's three tasks
One of the main focuses for the sports management is the defense, where up to four players could leave the Metropolitano by summer. Axel Witsel and César Azpilicueta's contracts are ending, Reinildo has a similar situation, and Clement Lenglet must return to FC Barcelona at the end of his loan. At least two center-backs should join the squad, considering the Frenchman's desire to stay permanently with the team.
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The midfield is also one of Carlos Bucero's tasks, especially finding a midfielder to increase competition in the center. They also haven't forgotten about Álex Baena, a priority target for Simeone, nor the forward line, where there could be significant movements for the next season. Antoine Griezmann, with a contract until 2026, could decide to end his time in European football and move to the MLS in the United States.
Sales hanging in the air
Beyond the contractual situation of some names, there are other players whose sporting situation is very complicated at Atlético de Madrid. One of them is Rodrigo Riquelme, who has been disadvantaged by the switch to a 4-4-2 formation, facing too much competition on the left. His best games this season have been as a wing-back (vs Espanyol and Elche), losing much influence in the rest of the matches where he has had some minutes.
Another problem is Thomas Lemar, who has only participated in four matches this season due to his continuous muscle injuries. Simeone has always shown a lot of confidence in him, but the lack of regularity has made him a very marginal player at the Metropolitano. A way out has been sought for him for some time, but his high salary and physical condition are two obstacles that seem almost impossible to overcome.