Of course, it is not an easy task for Atlético de Madrid to find that midfielder that Simeone has been demanding for so many years. It is the goal for this winter market, although the sports management is looking for a piece that fits their economic limitations. Many names have already been mentioned in recent months, although not all seem to be what is sought at the Metropolitano.
One of the aspects that the red-and-white club wants to improve this year in its planning is to bet on the Spanish market, which has been very neglected in recent years. That shift began last year, incorporating players like Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth, both in LaLiga. Therefore, if they want to continue down that path, although it seems that a player favored by the red-and-white team is very close to going to England.
The Premier League gets ahead of Simeone
For now, it seems almost impossible for Atlético de Madrid to find that signing that could give more balance to the engine room. One of the names that was mentioned most strongly was Johnny Cardoso, a pillar at Real Betis and an international with the United States national team. He was chosen to replace Guido Rodríguez, who had been the anchor of the Andalusian team during the last seasons.
However, from the Premier League they keep launching offensives to secure his signing, with Wolverhampton being the latest to join the bid to incorporate him. They would have put 25 million euros on the table, although Real Betis wants to avoid losing Johnny Cardoso in this winter market. It should be remembered that Tottenham has a preferential option to take the American, although they haven't made it effective.
Effort in the summer market
Although ideally for Atlético de Madrid it would be to make two new signings, many eyes are already on what will happen in the summer. The sports management wants to follow the same roadmap that began last summer, further increasing the quality of the squad. Names like Piero Hincapié, Gyökeres, or Álex Baena are on the agenda of the mattress team, players who would provide immediate performance.
Obviously, the midfield will continue to be an important focus at the Metropolitano, although it seems that the need for a central midfielder has decreased. Simeone has adapted the new scheme to use a double pivot, with a player like Javi Guerra being suitable for that position. In any case, the winter market is running out of time, and it seems that not all needs can be met in this transfer period.