Atletico Madrid News
25-year-old Spanish midfielder reacts to interest from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona
Aleix Garcia has emerged as one of the most in-demand players in the Spanish market following an excellent start to the season with Girona.
Formerly of Manchester City, the central midfielder has become an ever-present figure in Girona’s second line of press. He has racked up 14 league appearances this season, with three assists to his name.
Garcia’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Barcelona among the clubs keeping close tabs on his situation at Girona.
In a recent interview, Garcia has reacted to the interest, voicing his pleasure to be linked with clubs of such magnitude. He also hinted at his desire to make a big step in his career even though he is happy with his life at Girona.
“It is true that there are a lot of rumors, but so far I have not received any calls, neither from my representative nor from anyone else. But that they talk about you is positive. It makes me want to continue playing at this level and let the future say what it has to say,” he said (h/t AS).
The 25-year-old is currently in his second spell at Girona, having previously played for the Catalan outfit from 2017 to 2019 on a loan deal. But after finding success in his second spell at the club, the midfielder is happy with his life in Catalonia.
“I have always said that I am very good at Girona, it is like my home, but it depends on what options may come your way, it is a very big leap,” he said.
But Garcia indicates he is also quite ambitious and would be open to a move to a top-tier outfit. “I am ambitious, I want to continue improving and make the leap to a team like these, of course, I would like to,” he added.
Aleix Garcia’s words could come as a major boost for Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly on the hunt for new midfielders.
The 25-year-old’s contract with Girona expires at the end of the season, although it could be extended by a year automatically if they do not get relegated from La Liga. Atletico Madrid will be closely watching the situation of the ex-Manchester City ace in the coming months.
There is no doubt that Atletico Madrid are bracing themselves for a busy summer ahead as they look to address the future of some of their star players. One of them is Saul Niguez, who has fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone and could leave the club.
A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an update on the future of the Spaniard, suggesting that the player has once again become a market attraction.
The versatile star was on loan at Chelsea last season, but his spell at Stamford Bridge was far from ideal, as he featured in less than 500 minutes of league football. He returned to Atletico Madrid in the summer, and even though he wanted to leave the club, a move did not materialise.
Saul was even linked with a move away from Atleti in January. But Valencia, who were interested in him at the time, could not afford the deal, particularly because of the player’s salary and transfer fees.
The report from Mundo Deportivo states that Valencia have retained their interest in the player. But in addition to Los Che, Saul has been targeted by two other Spanish teams in the form of Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla.
Rayo have expressed the desire to sign Saul in the coming season. But they are likely to face economic difficulties in funding a move for the midfielder. The same can be said for Sevilla.
Saul’s current contract at Atletico Madrid expires in 2026, a deal that was agreed when the player was at his peak. But the long contract has now come back to haunt Atleti, as they desperately look to get rid of the Spanish international.
With his suitors likely to face financial trouble in weighing up a move, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Saul in the coming summer.
Saul is not the only Atletico Madrid player facing an uncertain future, with Axel Witsel’s father also hinting at a possible exit recently.
