Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘dream’ of signing Manchester City captain on a free transfer – report
Atletico Madrid have not been in the best financial position for a while now. And their group-stage elimination from the UEFA Champions League and failure to enter the Europa League means the picture will get further worse.
With the situation being as it is, Los Rojiblancos will likely have to watch their spending in the transfer market and look for free agents to strengthen the roster.
As such, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has emerged as a transfer target for Atletico Madrid, with sporting director Andrea Berta ‘dreaming’ of the German midfielder’s signing.
Gundogan has been one of the top performers at the Etihad Stadium for years now and has been critical to the success the Citizens have enjoyed under Pep Guardiola.
However, the 32-year-old’s contract stands to run down at the end of the ongoing campaign and an agreement over an extension is yet to be reached.
Despite being in his thirties, Gundogan is still going strong and Atletico Madrid would be interested in capitalising on the opportunity to land him on a Bosman deal at the end of the season.
However, Los Colchoneros will likely have to compete with some other European heavyweights in pursuit of the veteran star, with Bayern Munich said to be among his suitors. So, for Atleti to stand a chance to sign Gundogan, they would need to make a very impressive contract offer.
Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, Gundogan has gone on to make 270 appearances for the club. The 32-year-old has won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, and an FA Cup during this time.
A seasoned campaigner with still plenty left to offer in the tank, Gundogan can be a useful signing for Atletico Madrid. But with no shortage of suitors for him, it could take a serious offer from Diego Simeone’s side to land him.
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.
