Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid could sign 26-year-old defender in January on two conditions
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu is a known fact and there are claims that the two are close to an agreement.
It must be remembered that Soyuncu’s contract with the English Premier League side runs until the end of the season, meaning that the initial suggestion for Atletico to acquire him is on a free transfer.
However, Los Rojiblancos are hoping to complete the signing for the Turkish international in January itself, reports Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo. But a move this month will be dependent on two conditions.
To begin with, given the economic situation at the club, Atletico need to offload a defender before the Turk can arrive. In that regard, a certain Felipe is expected to be the most likely casualty.
It is understood that the 33-year-old Brazilian no longer has a place in Diego Simeone’s plans and the management is ready to get rid of his services.
The Rojiblancos made an unsuccessful attempt to send him to Wolves during the talks for Matheus Cunha. But Turkish side Besiktas are said to be an interested party while a few Brazilian teams are keen too. If not for Felipe, Mario Hermoso could be the victim.
Given that they somehow manage to offload a defender, Atletico Madrid might go for Soyuncu in January. But the second condition for the move to go through is that Leicester City must be willing to accept a very low transfer fee for him.
Interestingly enough, it will be the same concept that Atletico adapted while signing Reinildo Mandava in January 2021 from Lille. The 28-year-old, who arrived for a fee reported to be around €3 million, has become a regular fixture for Simeone ever since.
Whether Leicester City are willing to accommodate such a request and let Soyuncu leave for a nominal fee will determine whether Atletico can welcome him this month or wait until the summer.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
