Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid close to signing Leicester City defender for 2023
Over the years, Diego Simeone has not only carved out a reputation for building resilient defensive lines but also for producing star defenders individually.
Several of Atletico Madrid’s renowned centre-backs were not big names until they arrived at the Civitas Metropolitano but mastered their trade during their tenure there.
The story of their latest target, Caglar Soyuncu, is similar. The Turkish International has not been in the best form with Leicester City in recent times, but that has not detracted Simeone from his pursuit.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid are close to completing the signing of Soyuncu for 2023. The deal is not done or signed yet, but the negotiations are advanced and appears close to being sealed.
Both parties are working hard to close the deal, and an official announcement could be imminent. Aston Villa and AS Roma also were interested in the centre-back but are now out of the race.
Atletico Madrid were reportedly helped by a special clause on the player’s contract that favoured a move outside England in the winter transfer window.
Any English club negotiating with him for a move in January would have to shell out a fixed fee, one that clubs from other leagues can bypass.
In 14 games this season, Diego Simeone’s men have conceded 14 goals and have been far from their usual leak-proof selves. It is very concerning that they have seen only four clean sheets so far in the league, and Soyuncu’s signing could help fortify their goal further.
The Turkish International has barely played for the English side this season, making just one appearance so far in the 2022/23 Premier League. In his only game of the season, which came against Manchester City, he recorded six defensive actions.
Atletico Madrid News
UEFA open investigation against multiple Real Madrid players over celebration vs Atletico
More than two weeks after Real Madrid’s controversial win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, UEFA has sent quite the shockwave to the defending European champions.
In a recent statement, UEFA has announced they have started an open investigation against a series of Real Madrid players for the way they celebrated after winning against Atletico Madrid, about two weeks back.
What is the investigation about?
As reported by MARCA, the European governing body is specifically looking into the actions of Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Ceballos, and Vinicius Jr.
The controversy stems from Real Madrid’s celebrations after knocking out city rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
The celebrations took place near the section of the stadium occupied by Real Madrid supporters, but some actions by the players have drawn scrutiny.
“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players (Antonio Rudiger, Kylian Mbappe, Daniel Ceballos Fernandez and Vinicius Junior) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 match between Club Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid on 12 March 2025,” UEFA said in an official statement.
Rudiger is being investigated for a gesture in which he placed his hand around his neck, while Mbappe reportedly made an inappropriate gesture by touching his genitals.
Vinicius, on the other hand, was involved in heated interactions with Atletico fans both before and after the match, while Ceballos was seen enthusiastically joining the celebrations.
The celebrations from Real Madrid players drew hostility from Atletico Madrid fans for obvious reasons, with the opposition fans resorting to throwing bottles on the pitch.
Jude Bellingham was even among the ones hit by these throwing objects from Atleti fans while Vinicius pointed to the Real Madrid crest on his shirt, which might have played a role in further fuming tension.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, responded to the hostility from Atleti fans by dancing inside the pitch.
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review the incidents, although it is very much likely that Real Madrid would appeal against any sanctions placed on the event of any breach.
