Diego Pablo Simeone was very clear with Atlético de Madrid's sports management last summer. He commented that if they wanted the team to compete for titles, several high-level players needed to arrive, so they had to invest. The club spent nearly 200 million, and the squad clearly improved, but Cholo still wants more.
The Argentine coach has needed a defensive midfielder for years, something that continues to be a priority today. The red-and-white club has considered different profiles and names, but they haven't strongly bid for that "5" that Simeone so desires. A name that has been talked about for a long time could definitively move away due to Rodri Hernández's injury.
The Midfielder Simeone Could Lose
Rodri Hernández's injury before receiving his Ballon d'Or was a huge blow for Guardiola's Manchester City. The Spanish player was the team's compass, and his injury, along with others, has caused the "citizens" to fall significantly this season. The club knows they need a reliable defensive midfielder and have set their sights on an Atlético de Madrid target.
Since last season, Atalanta's midfielder, Ederson, has been heavily linked with the red-and-white club. The Brazilian is one of the pillars of one of Italy's best teams in recent years. According to the famous journalist Matteo Moretto, Manchester City has him on their agenda for next summer.
Atlético Moves Away from Him
In Matteo Moretto's report, the Italian journalist didn't include Atlético de Madrid in the race for Ederson. Besides Manchester City, Manchester United has also shown interest in signing him for the next market. Simeone still needs a pure midfielder to free Pablo Barrios, but from Atleti's sports management, it doesn't seem to be a priority.
Ederson has shown he can perform on the best soccer stages, something that caught Guardiola's City's attention. Rodri Hernández's injury could harm an Atlético de Madrid that still needs a high-level defensive midfielder.