Atletico Madrid News
Simeone’s top transfer objectives at Atletico Madrid: €60m midfielder, a new centre-back
Speaking on AS TV, journalist Jorge Garcia has shed some light on the transfer plans being chalked up by Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and director Andrea Berta.
The Rojiblancos are well aware that the summer window was far from ideal for the club. And they are keen on remedying that at the earliest possible. And the manager is seeing two areas as his priorities in the market.
The first thing Simeone wants Atletico Madrid to do is sign a new central defender. The Colchoneros have been a pale shadow of their solid selves from the past this time around, with injuries and poor form hampering them.
Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez have been plagued by fitness issues while Felipe and Mario Hermoso are error-prone and inconsistent. The situation has often forced the manager to utilise Axel Witsel in the three-man backline.
Hence, Simeone wants to bring in a centre-back with an eye on the future. And there have already been links to Atalanta’s teenage prospect Giorgio Scalvini.
The next priority on Atletico Madrid’s transfer agenda is to sign Lovro Majer from Rennes. The Croatian international, dubbed the ‘new Luka Modric’, has been on the Spanish capital club’s radar since summer.
Enquiries were also made over a potential move, but Atleti were priced out of a move, with Rennes valuing their midfielder at €60 million. However, the interest in the former Dinamo Zagreb midfielder remains intact and Simeone & co. want to sign him up at the next opportunity.
With Koke not getting any younger, Saul’s form declining and Geoffrey Kondogbia being in and out of the side this season, it makes sense for Atletico Madrid to want to sign another quality midfielder to their ranks, and Majer seems to be the top choice for Simeone and Berta.
Whether they can land the midfielder at the second attempt after failing to do so in the summer remains to be seen.
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.
