Atletico Madrid News
Diego Simeone’s automatic contract extension dependent on UCL qualification
Atletico Madrid have been unconvincing all season. Every time they seem to hit the road running, a new hiccup emerges on their hunt for consistency.
Unsurprisingly, the situation has put a lot of turmoil on Diego Simeone’s shoulders as the Argentine tactician is the obvious starting point in any hunt for the team’s flaws.
A lot has been said about his future at the club, but nothing clear is known about whether or not he will continue beyond June.
According to reports from MARCA, Simeone’s current deal with Atletico Madrid expires at the end of the season and has no clause for an automatic renewal.
His deal with the Rojiblancos only renews if the club qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. As it stands, he has no valid contract for the upcoming season.
The Colchoneros currently sit in fourth place on the league standings with 31 points in 18 games. They find themselves ten points behind league leaders Barcelona, although the Catalans have two games in hand.
Villarreal are breathing down the Madrid-based side’s neck with 31 points as well, and find themselves behind only on goal difference. Osasuna, Real Betis and Athletic Club too are within touching distance.
Though the Rojiblancos are currently in the UCL spots, the tight competition for the number four spot leaves them uncertain of qualification. The whopping seven-point difference with third-placed Real Sociedad makes it further difficult for them to move up the ladder.
While securing a spot in next season’s UCL is well within their hands, it will require consistency and belief in equal measure. A lot of that will boil down to Diego Simeone’s management.
The Argentine is free to negotiate a renewal with the club at his leisure and overwrite the UCL criteria. However, it remains to be seen if the club wish to continue with his ideas or open up to fresh pastures.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
