Atletico Madrid News
Wolves reach full agreement to sign Atletico striker on loan + obligatory €40/50m clause
Atletico Madrid are due for a huge clearout in January, with the club looking to raise money through player sales. Much like Barcelona, they are in huge financial turmoil, with the prospect of selling the club also likely.
Joao Felix is expected to raise upwards of €100 million should Atletico find a buyer for him. Another player looking at a winter exit is striker Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian has been linked to a fair few clubs over the last couple of windows, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and even Manchester United. However, it seems his next destination is Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Atletico Madrid and Wolves have reached full verbal agreement over a six-month loan move for Cunha. Personal terms have also been agreed upon.
While it is a loan transfer, Atletico have included an obligatory purchase clause into the deal worth nearly €40/50 million.
Cunha is yet to score a goal for Atleti this season in 11 appearances in the league, but has assisted two goals in that time. His minutes, it has to be mentioned, have been limited to substitute appearances, with Diego Simeone only starting him twice so far.
The Argentine manager has preferred the services of Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, and Angel Correa in the team’s strike duo. Joao Felix is the only one behind Cunha in the pecking order, and that too because of personal reasons.
Atletico bought Cunha from Hertha in 2021 for €26 million, and could potentially double the profit they made on him as early as the summer of 2023.
It also gives them more space in the wage bill and the chance to reinforce their team without having to sacrifice on quality due to financial constraints.
Sofyan Amrabat is a player in demand, with the midfielder reportedly a top target for various clubs during the January transfer window, as confirmed by his brother.
However, Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on the Moroccan international, with the club said to be interested in bringing him to Wanda Metropolitano.
According to Foot Mercato, Amrabat is keen on moving to La Liga, and Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that he admires. The midfielder had previously praised Atleti boss Diego Simeone, further fueling speculation of a potential move to the Spanish capital.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Amrabat comes in the midst of uncertainty over the future of Axel Witsel.
The Fiorentina star could be a possible replacement for the Belgian midfielder, whose contract at the club expires at the end of the season, with his father hinting at a possible exit.
However, Atleti would face competition from Barcelona in the pursuit of Amrabat, who appears to be prioritising a move to Camp Nou. The Moroccan international could potentially become an excellent alternative for Barça’s top target, Martin Zubimendi.
However, Fiorentina is unlikely to let the midfielder go cheaply, and Barcelona would have to sort out their economic situation to afford him.
That is where Atletico Madrid might look to get ahead of the Catalans. Although the Spanish giants are also struggling with finances, they may still be able to swoop in and secure the services of the Fiorentina star come the end of the season.
It is too early to deduce anything just yet. A lot will be uncovered as we enter the final phase of the season. Amrabat himself will be keen on making a definitive decision on his future, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
