Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid plotting January swoop for Premier League centre-back
Atletico Madrid are in the market for defensive reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window, as part of Diego Simeone’s plans to add more quality to the team.
Especially in the central defensive area, the club lack proper quality and assurance. This is mainly because there are uncertainty looming over the future of Mario Hermoso and Felipe whereas Stefan Savic has struggled with injuries.
With that in mind, Atleti are keen on signing another centre-back in January, with Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu emerging as one of the top options.
This has been reported by Diario AS who suggest that Los Rojiblancos are attempting a repeat of ‘operation Reinildo’, who was available for a free transfer at the end of last season, but the club opted to pay a minimal fee to snap him in January.
Reinildo’s investment paid off for Atletico Madrid as the Mozambican has emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the team. The club are now looking to replicate the process for Soyuncu, whose current contract at Leicester City expires at the end of the season.
Formerly of Stuttgart, Soyuncu is a strong centre-back, with a sharp defensive nous and physicality that should make him an ideal fit for Simeone’s style of play. He has no shortage of experience either, having featured in 125 competitive matches for Leicester City.
With his current contract expiring in 2023, Soyuncu could be available for a cut-price deal in January, thus making him an excellent target for Atletico Madrid.
From a sporting perspective, the Turkish international could prove to become an ideal replacement for Felipe, who has fallen out of favour at Atleti and is all set to leave the club in the upcoming January transfer 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.
