Atletico Madrid News
Bayern Munich defender open to joining Atletico Madrid in the future
Atletico Madrid’s youth academy has produced several stars over the years, but very few can claim to have taken the world of football by storm as Lucas Hernandez did. In 2019, the defender left Los Rojiblancos to join Bayern Munich and there has been no looking back ever since.
Earlier this week, the World Cup winner was quizzed by COPE about various aspects of his professional career. The Frenchman spoke a lot about his roots at Atletico Madrid and his growth as a player.
The centre-back was first asked if he would ever consider returning to his former club given the chance. To this, he replied (h/t MARCA):
“If one day the option arises to return to Atlético, why not? I would like it to happen. It’s a nice thing.”
Hernandez then went on to elaborate as to why the Colchoneros were so close to his heart and said that he would always be fond of the team.
“Atletico Madrid is the club that has given me everything. I started a youth player there and have always been fond of this team. Since I left, I have wished them the best.”
Finally, the centre-back accredited his current success at Bayern Munich to the faith shown in him by his previous club and expressed his gratitude.
“That I am now in Bayern Munich is partly thanks to Atletico. They bet on me since I was a child and gave me everything.”
Hernandez has been injured for close to a month after he suffered a tear in his left adductor in his team’s 2-0 win over Barcelona. As it stands, it is not known if he will make it in time to play in Qatar and defend his nation’s World Cup title.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid among clubs weighing up a summer move for €20 million Barcelona defender
Having successfully raided FC Barcelona for the signing of Memphis Depay during the January transfer window, Atletico Madrid could look to bring in another player from Spotify Camp Nou come summer.
Indeed, according to SPORT, Atletico are among clubs who are interested in signing Barcelona ace Sergino Dest, who is currently away on loan at AC Milan.
Dest has been out of favour at Barça since Xavi Hernandez arrived at the club back in November 2021. The USMNT right-back was sent out on loan to Milan last summer so that he can play regularly.
The Rossoneri have the option of signing the ex-Ajax man permanently for €20 million, but are unlikely to take it up as the right-back has largely underwhelmed during his time in Italy, playing just 14 games in all competitions.
But, that has seemingly not deterred clubs in La Liga, including Atletico Madrid, who are reportedly willing to take a punt on Dest in the summer.
As things stand, Atletico have Nahuel Molina as their primary right-back, but the Argentine has not been consistent enough in his debut season at the club.
Matt Doherty arrived on a free transfer from Tottenham in January but has only played 12 minutes so far, indicating where he stands in Diego Simeone’s scheme. So, a new right-back might not entirely be ruled out at the Civitas Metropolitano come summer.
Dest, though, is also attracting interest from Sevilla, Valencia and Villarreal, while an unnamed MLS club also want the right-back.
Barcelona, for their part, wish to recoup the €20 million they spent on him almost three years ago, which could become a roadblock for Atletico Madrid if they do indeed pursue the right-back with greater intent.
As things stand, there is just initial interest and there is nothing concrete from Atletico or any clubs. Only time will tell if that changes once Dest returns from his loan spell.
