One of the concerns that existed at Atlético de Madrid last summer was rejuvenating the squad and significantly improving the defense. To a large extent, both points were fulfilled, as the red-and-white team remains the least scored against in the five major European leagues. The same situation occurs in the Copa del Rey, as Juan Musso has only conceded one goal throughout the tournament, showing his security.
However, there is one aspect that could not be completely solved and in which the sports management will work this summer. The most challenging task was to find a reinforcement for the left profile after Mario Hermoso's departure, something that was almost impossible until the last days of the market. The chosen one ended up being Clement Lenglet on loan, but the main desire had been another for more than a month.
Liverpool Gets Ahead of Simeone
Obviously, that footballer was David Hancko, who starred in a great Euro Cup with Slovakia, being willing to change clubs for this season. He never hid his desire to have landed at Atlético de Madrid, but it was impossible to reach a financial agreement with Feyenoord. Because of this, he had to stay in the Netherlands this season, although he seems destined to leave definitively in the summer market.
Juventus of Turin worked very hard in winter to reach an agreement with the club and the defender with the desire to close his signing as soon as possible. Everything seemed on track, but Liverpool has wanted to enter the bidding for David Hancko, especially because their coach knows him very well. Arne Slot, who now manages at Anfield, had the Slovak under his orders at Feyenoord, being a highly valued player for him.
Atlético de Madrid Considers Alternatives
In this situation, at the Metropolitano they have completely forgotten about being able to fight for his signing, starting to follow other center-backs of the same level. At least two defenders will have to arrive at Atlético de Madrid, as César Azpilicueta and Axel Witsel's contracts end in June. One of the favorites is Piero Hincapié, although Bayer Leverkusen set his release price at 70 million euros in light of the offers that were coming from the Premier League.
He is not the only one who has been linked with the red-and-white team, as others like Cristhian Mosquera or Yarek have also been in the orbit of the colchonero team for some time. Simeone's preference would be to incorporate a versatile piece, capable of playing both as a full-back and a center-back at different times. There are a few months left until the transfer window opens, but the sports management is hard at work finding the best reinforcements.