Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid defender emerges as a January transfer target for Turkish giants
Atletico Madrid looking to offload some players in the January transfer window following their exit from the UEFA Champions League.
And Besiktas could be willing to take one of the players off the Rojiblancos’ hands with the Turkish giants keen on signing Felipe. This claim comes from media outlets in Turkey, as relayed by Diario AS.
Felipe has been at Atletico Madrid since 2019 when he arrived from FC Porto. While he featured fairly regularly in the past, the Brazilian has lost his place in the side this season and has taken the field just two times across all competitions.
The 33-year-old’s current contract with Atletico expires at the end of the season. Given his standing within the squad, a renewal seems off the table. So, it might be beneficial for the Colchoneros to offload him in January and rake in some cash.
Besiktas are said to be willing to offer a way out to the Brazilian defender. Manager Senol Gunes is reported to be unhappy with his current first-choice centre-backs and wants someone experienced to come into the squad in the winter window.
The report further states that Gunes has given his okay for the club to pursue the signing of Felipe in January.
While his exit might not fetch a big sum, Atletico Madrid could benefit to some extent from offloading a player who does not seem to be a major part of Diego Simeone’s plans.
Furthermore, as iterated earlier, selling him now would fetch the Spanish capital club some revenue, instead of them losing him for nothing at the end of the season.
There are question marks over the future of some other Atletico Madrid stars as well, as the club looks to address their financial issues. Matheus Cunha, for one, could be allowed to leave if offers around €35 million were to come along.
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.
