EI Atlético has begun to build its next home, the 2023-24 squad, on the foundations. The defensive problems that Simeone has had to face this season have forced the club to move quickly. AS announced on December 1 that Atlético was negotiating to incorporate Caglar Söyüncü. His relationship with Leicester ended at the end of the course and the rojiblancos, who have followed him since his time at Freiburg, have found the perfect opportunity to take a central defender who between 2019 and 2021 was one of the most valued defenders in the Premier. This year he has barely participated due to his decision not to renew, but at 27 he has football ahead of him. He has concentrated offers, but his decision was clear: play for Atlético.
What’s more, as AS has learned He has already signed his contract for the next four seasons and has found a house near Majadahonda. Her mother will travel to Madrid next week to accommodate her new home. Meanwhile, Söyüncü is in Istanbul recovering from a minor groin injury that shouldn’t prevent him from playing for his team against Latvia and Wales. Atlético tried to bring forward the arrival of the Turk to January, as with Reinildo and Wass a year earlier, after certifying the deal as a free agent. But the refusal of foxes He turned the market to the right side to add Matt Doherty on the horn (he has barely played 16 minutes). And Simeone has finished the course with a system of three centrals… with only three pure specialists in the squad. Only Giménez, Savic and Hermoso. Witsel has acted as a wild card in the face of Savic’s casualties and Reinildo’s permanent injury.
pre-season exam
But Söyüncü is not the only central defender that Atlético has already joined. Simeone confirmed on Cadena Cope the signing of the Turk… and Santiago Mouriño. “We are going to see in the preseason how he responds, we have heard very good things about him, he has good expectations, we have to look because the preseason helps us to be able to see,” explained the coach. Injuries are recurring on the job. Savic returns from the infirmary against Villarreal… in which Giménez enters. He has undergone a knee arthroscopy to start the next preseason in full condition. The 28-year-old from Uruguay is facing his eleventh consecutive season and cannot be seen outside of Atlético. Savic is also focused on continuing and Hermoso can renew his contract that ends in 2024.
With Mouriño it will be Simeone who will have the last word. The transfer is the main option, but Cholo will evaluate his level in the summer and then decide. In his country he is compared to the blaugrana Araújo. It must be taken into account that Reinildo will not be able to start the season due to the torn cruciate ligament suffered in the derby on February 25. And the Mozambican will need time to get in tune, something that opens the doors to having another central defender in the squad at least until January, when it has been possible to verify that the African is in perfect condition. Having Mouriño until the winter market cannot be ruled out. Witsel has automatically extended his commitment until 2024 and today seems more comfortable in the middle of the defense than as a pivot, despite the fact that the Belgian prefers to participate in the middle. With Giménez, Savic, Hermoso, Söyüncü and Witsel there would be five options for three positions. Atlético now moves to reinforce themselves on the sides, especially in a left lane that may be left without if Carrasco leaves. And in that anchor position where Kondogbia is said goodbye. As the market progresses and the exits will look towards the attack. The first duties have been fulfilled. Planning starts from the back to the front.