Atlético de Madrid are experiencing moments of great uncertainty in the transfer market since Miguel Ángel Gil, their chief executive, revealed the need to sell at least two players in order to sign a new top midfielder. This news has sparked a wave of speculation about who will be the footballers who will be leaving the mattress squad in search of new targets.
Coach Diego Simeone is in a precarious position as some of his most prominent players could receive tempting offers from overseas teams. Among them, the name of the young Portuguese talent Joao Félix is the one that leaves the Cívitas Metropolitano the most. Despite his undeniable quality, his relationship with the team appears to be at risk and a loan deal could be an option to ease the payload and free up space for the long-awaited defensive midfielder to land.
Another player starting is Saúl Ñíguez. His high salary of almost 15 million euros gross per season makes it difficult to find a target for him. Although the player wants to stay at Atlético, the club are looking for ways to terminate his contract and lower the payroll.
Also on the list of possible transfers is Thomas Lemar, who failed to justify the investments made in him during his stay at the club. The sale could generate resources for signing the desired midfielder.
Striker Álvaro Morata has not been spared speculation despite being considered untouchable by Simeone. Negotiations for his renewal have extended his situation until the market close and multiple offers make him one of the players with the most exit opportunities. Replacing Morata would be a challenge for the club given his performance and experience as a striker.
There are other names on Cholo’s “black list”
Other names that could be included in the package of possible sales are Riquelme and Lino, two young footballers with great projection who have numerous offers from different clubs. Simeone hopes both remain in the team but the desire to improve the squad forces him to consider all available options.