Atletico Madrid News
Simeone has lowered his wages from €20 million to €16.5 million to help Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s continuity has been the talk of the town out late, but if a report from El Periodico de Espana is to be believed, the Argentine has not only decided to fulfill his contract but has also agreed to lower his salary quite substantially.
Simeone’s ongoing deal with Atletico Madrid runs until 2024 and there were many question marks over his stay after a poor start to the season. But as it turns out, the 52-year-old will indeed continue for another season.
The outlet says that the coach is so committed to the club and its project that a few months ago, he agreed to lower his wages from €20 million to €16.5 million. This goes on to show his devotion towards the team as they continue to struggle during these difficult financial times.
Add to it their absence in European football means the problems go deeper. It must be remembered that Atletico’s financial troubles started at the beginning of the season itself when they failed to sell players to make cash and acquire the required €30 million to give stability to a tottering ship.
The aforementioned outlet also claims that the management was pondering the option of extending the Argentine’s stay to two more years, thus extending his relationship with the team for a longer tenure.
The main idea behind the extension was to find a way for the team to bifurcate the payment of €40 million that they owe the manager. By extending his deal, the amount would have been paid across four years instead of two.
While it remains to be seen if Atletico really take this approach, the manager has indeed helped the team in difficult time by lowering his salary. For now, the Argentine will continue to serve the team until 2024.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid ‘want to fight’ for the signing of €40m Barcelona midfield target
Atletico Madrid are interested in Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and want to fight for his signing in the summer, according to a report from Javi Gomara of Mundo Deportivo. The 26-year-old is also a transfer target for FC Barcelona and several clubs in the Premier League.
Amrabat burst into the limelight after enjoying a stunning run at the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals. The midfielder was heavily linked with an exit in January, with Barcelona, Atletico and several other clubs linked.
However, a move did not materialise and he remained at Fiorentina. However, with his contract expiring next year, the Moroccan international could be on his way out in the summer, even though the Italian outfit are trying to tie him down with a new contract.
And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid are ready to fight for his signing in the summer. The report states that Amrabat is a player that is very well-liked by the Rojiblancos and would be an important cog in Diego Simeone’s side if they sign him.
Amrabat will be playing at the Civitas Metropolitano tonight, with Atletico’s home ground hosting a friendly between Morocco and Peru. And the Colchoneros dream of making the stadium the 26-year-old’s permanent home from next season.
The report adds that the Moroccan international himself would be ‘delighted’ to join the club. After all, he did speak highly of Simeone and Atleti during the World Cup, when he said:
“He has coached Atletico Madrid for many years. I like his style of play. He has won a lot and I have a lot of respect for him. The players in his team are physically strong and aggressive. I like to play that way.”
Atletico Madrid have been linked with Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos, but hold no interest in him. Instead, they wish to sign a player of Amrabat’s profile and quality. However, the 26-year-old will not come cheap as Fiorentina will demand a €40 million fee for him.
Beyond that, the interest of Barcelona and other clubs in the Premier League would also be a roadblock for the Spanish capital club.
