Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid keen on offloading defender, high salary becoming a hurdle
The situation at Civitas Metropolitano is grave, and every news from the Atletico Madrid camp just goes on to exemplify the same. The team’s poor results will put uncontrolled pressure on the manager, but there is the economic episode to solve before that.
According to reports from MARCA, Mario Hermoso is a player who has been on the departure list for a while now. The returns from his move would go a long way in balancing Atleti’s books, but the one hurdle to his transfer is the high salary.
The Spaniard is currently earning net wages of €4.4 million per year, which is making it difficult for Atletico Madrid to find suitors for him. On top of that, Hermoso himself is believed to be keen on staying at the club.
Nevertheless, the Rojiblancos have not given up and will not, however complicated it gets. There is a sense of belief that an offer can arrive from the Premier League at any time.
The 27-year-old has barely participated in La Liga for Atletico Madrid this season. Close to halfway through the season, he has played just 120 minutes and has a goal in that duration.
Last season, he made 26 appearances for Simeone’s side and averaged over eight defensive actions per ninety minutes. However, it is clear that something has changed drastically in a year and that the coach no longer favours him as much.
The centre-back signed a five-year deal with the club in 2019 and the contract is set to expire in the month of June 2024.
Given that he will be a free agent in just over a year, this is Atleti’s best chance to get rid of Hermoso. But only time will tell whether Diego Simeone’s side can find a suitor for him in January or the summer window.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
