Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid targeting summer swoop for French forward on Bayern Munich’s radar
Marcus Thuram was one of the first names on the Atletico Madrid shortlist when they offloaded Joao Felix during the start of the January transfer window.
Trusting that Borussia Monchengladbach will settle for a meagre fee for a striker whose contract expires at the end of the season, Atletico made a move to sign the player. But they ultimately had to back out as the Bundesliga giants held out for a fee of €15 million.
However, as reported by MARCA, Atletico Madrid have not lost sight of Thuram just yet. They are expected to go after him once again in the summer, when the attacker would become a free agent.
The 25-year-old, after all, has emerged as one of the top performers in the Bundesliga this season. Despite struggling with injuries for the majority of the last 18 months, the Frenchman has racked up 13 goals and four assists in all competitions this term.
Thuram’s contributions did not go unnoticed as he was also a part of the French side that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. He even played a crucial role in helping Les Bleus stage a late comeback against the Argentines, though they eventually lost on penalties.
Thuram’s goalscoring traits, coupled with his pace and power have made him an appealing target for Atletico Madrid. But despite his status as a free agent this summer, the operation will not be as easy.
This is because Atleti must adhere to the economic regulations put forth by La Liga, which could mean that they must offload some of their existing stars including Felix, Angel Correa or Alvaro Morata if they are to make the space for Thuram.
In addition, the Rojiblancos must also qualify for the UEFA Champions League, especially given the fact that Thuram is being courted by other European giants such as Bayern Munich, and a few Premier League clubs.
Not to mention, the French international is also expected to demand a signing bonus due to his status as a free agent. Therefore, Atletico Madrid must conjure up serious capital this summer if they are to get their hands on Marcus Thuram.
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.
