Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid already in talks with Real Betis over move for eight-goal striker
With Matheus Cunha leaving Atletico Madrid recently and Joao Felix on his way out, the Rojiblancos are on the lookout for a new striker to reinforce their ranks.
And, Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has emerged as the club’s top target in their bid to strengthen the attacking department.
The 29-year-old has been a consistent performer for Los Verdiblancos since joining the club in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth €28 million.
In the ongoing season, Iglesias has scored eight goals in 13 La Liga appearances and is the joint second-highest goalscorer in the Spanish top flight only behind Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski.
Naturally, Atletico Madrid have taken a shine towards the striker and are considering a swoop for him in the upcoming January transfer window.
And, according to MARCA, Los Colchoneros have already held initial talks with Real Betis about a possible move, transferring their intentions of wanting to sign Iglesias in the winter.
The report states that Atletico have received a positive response from the striker and his camp, which has prompted them to make an approach to Real Betis.
Los Verdiblancos, for their part, were preparing for Atleti’s overtures for the Spaniard before the news of the interest became public. Real Betis president Angel Haro also spoke to Iglesias on Monday, although the striker dismissed the discussions as nothing major.
But, it is understood that Atletico Madrid will make a move for the striker as soon as Jorge Mendes finds a solution for Joao Felix, who could move to the Premier League where Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are vying for his signing.
A move to the Civitas Metropolitano will be a step-up in Iglesias’ career while his sale would help Real Betis deal with their financial issues as well. And Atletico Madrid would be getting a proven striker, who has scored more goals in La Liga this season than all the options at Diego Simeone’s disposal.
Betis could demand a high sum for the 29-year-old, having spent €28 million on him, more so considering the striker’s contract runs until 2026.
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.
