Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid considering offering a new contract to defender amid Premier League interest
According to David G Medina of MARCA, Atletico Madrid are considering handing a new contract to defender Mario Hermoso after the turnaround he has experienced at the club in 2023.
Hermoso had struggled to get regular minutes in the initial parts of the campaign. There had been talks about a possible exit for the Spaniard in the summer while rumours of a departure continued to do the rounds in January also.
However, with Felipe departing, Hermoso stayed put at the Civitas Metropolitano and has grown into a regular once again under Diego Simeone even as Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez struggle with disciplinary and injury issues, respectively.
Following the World Cup break, the Spanish ace has played in seven of Atleti’s eight La Liga matches and has helped the team to five clean sheets in the process.
And, as per the report, Hermoso has made such an impression that the Rojiblancos are now considering offering him a new contract.
The 27-year-old’s current contract with Atletico runs until the summer of 2024, meaning he would be entering the final year of his deal at the end of the season.
Given his contract situation and improved form, teams in the Premier League are understood to have shown an interest in Hermoso.
At the same time, La Liga teams like Real Sociedad and Sevilla are also keeping an eye on any developments. The Spaniard’s wages in excess of €4 million make it difficult for them to sign him up, but it would not be a problem for clubs in England.
But, Atletico Madrid are now considering a renewal offer for Hermoso, with Simeone also giving his ‘OK’ to the move. The manager has been impressed by the defender’s attitude and professionalism in training even when he was not playing regularly. And, now his improved form could lead to an extension at the Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid to rival Inter, AC Milan and Roma for 23-year-old centre-forward
Atletico Madrid are set to enter the market for another striker in the summer transfer window even though they signed Memphis Depay in January from Barcelona.
And according to Italian journalist Giacomo Iacobellis, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing 23-year-old striker Mateo Retegui, who is also on the radars of AC Milan, Inter and AS Roma.
Retegui, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, also has Italian citizenship and has recently been called up by Roberto Mancini to the national team squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The 23-year-old striker is currently plying his trade for Argentine outfit Tigre, on loan from Boca Juniors, having joined in February last year. He has made a solid impression so far in his time with his temporary club and has six goals in seven league appearances this season so far.
It has alerted Atletico Madrid, who are on the lookout for a new centre-forward. Depay was brought in earlier this year to replace Joao Felix, who left on loan and is likely to be sold permanently to Chelsea in the summer.
Having lost Matheus Cunha as well during the winter, Diego Simeone’s side do not have great depth up top, especially with Alvaro Morata not performing consistently. Hence, a new centre-forward could arrive at the Civitas Metropolitano, with Retegui emerging as an option.
Retegui’s loan deal runs until the end of this year, with Tigre having the option to make the transfer permanent. His contract with Boca Juniors expires at the end of December 2024.
Apart from Atletico, Italian clubs like AS Roma, AC Milan and Inter Milan are also keen on the 23-year-old and it remains to be seen if Retegui moves to Europe come summer.
