Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid starlet set to join Brazilian club on loan, purchase option included
Marcos Paulo of Atletico Madrid is in a situation that is very rarely seen in the world of football. The Portuguese forward is currently on loan at Mirandes of the Spanish second division and is contractually bound with them until June 2023. However, the player has a strange request.
Halfway away through his loan spell, Paulo requested the Atletico Madrid management that he wished to terminate his spell in Spain and move on loan to Brazil where he previously represented Fluminese years ago.
According to reports from GOAL, Sao Paulo are best placed to land the player now and will sign him on a free loan until the end of 2023. The contract will have a purchase clause but the details of the same have not been revealed.
However, the deal benefits Los Rojiblancos in that they will no longer have to shell out a monthly expense for his wages. As per the agreement, the Brazilian club will cover 100% of Paulo’s remuneration until December 2023.
Further, a move to South America would place him in a more competitive league and see him get more minutes, something the Portuguese player is deprived of at the moment. It has seemingly convinced Atletico Madrid to sanction the move, with a permanent purchase clause included.
The 21-year-old only averages 50 minutes per game for Mirandes this season with a total of 13 appearances. In that duration, he has scored one goal and provided two assists.
Atletico Madrid have hopes for him as the future of their forward line. The non-disclosure of the purchase fee leaves the doors open to a possible return, and his experience in Brazil could shape him into the player Diego Simeone requires.
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.
