Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘regret’ not selling misfiring forward in the summer window – report
It has not been a great season for Yannick Ferreira Carrasco so far. The Belgian international was one of the key players for Atletico Madrid last season, but the wide attacker has struggled to replicate his form this time around.
In 13 competitive matches, Carrasco has scored only one goal so far, which has coincided with Atletico Madrid’s shortcomings in the attacking unit.
Indeed, Carrasco has not been able to help out the team with his attacking runs out wide. His lack of productivity has also been an issue and overall, he is only a shadow of the player he once was two years ago, when he helped Atletico Madrid win the league title.
In light of his poor performances, more than one figure at Atletico Madrid now regrets not selling Carrasco in the summer, when they had the opportunity to offload him for a lucrative fee, reports MARCA.
The report suggests Carrasco had a €60 million release clause embedded in his contract in the summer. Tottenham Hotspur were one of the clubs considering a move for the Belgian international. However, the move did not materialise and the player ended up remaining at Wanda Metropolitano.
But the Atletico Madrid camp now believes not selling Carrasco in the summer was a huge mistake, as they had the opportunity to generate sizable revenue.
Carrasco’s poor form has not helped either, with the winger already losing his place as an established starter in Diego Simeone’s setup. The player’s role in the team could dwindle further following the permanent signing of Antoine Griezmann.
Atletico are also sounding out the market for potential attacking reinforcements, so it will not come as a surprise to see Carrasco being offloaded in the upcoming January transfer window either.
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.
