Atletico Madrid are making a splash in the summer transfer window if they can get deals over the line for Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher, having already signed Alexander Sorloth and Robin Le Normand. The addition of Gallagher would make competition for places quite fierce in the middle of the pitch.
Captain Koke Resurreccion will clearly not give up his spot without a fight, and Rodrigo de Paul will not take kindly to being benched either. Youngster Pablo Barrios will return from the Olympics with the bit between his teeth, and Thomas Lemar is also fit again. Perhaps the one starter to drop out of the line-up will be Marcos Llorente though. The Spain international is currently being used on the right flank, as per Diario AS, and competing with Nahuel Molina in training.
🏴✨ Conor Gallagher for Chelsea in the Premier League last season:
– 7 assists (2nd)
– 53 chances created (2nd)
– 212 duels won (1st)
– 52 tackles won (1st)
– 43 interceptions (1st)
– 221 possession won (1st)Underappreciated. Diego Simeone has a monster for next season. pic.twitter.com/TkflXA58i7
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 6, 2024
Meanwhile the same outlet also claim that Giuliano Simeone will remain at the club this summer, and spend next season with the squad, rather than going out on loan again. He suffered an injury in preseason last year, but performed well for Alaves once fit, and Los Colchoneros now feel his development is best served by being at the Metropolitano.
This seems like a consequence of the departures of Memphis Depay, Alvaro Morata, and likely Samu Omorodion too. The latter will only occur if Alvarez arrives, and Sorloth is already through the door. However with only Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa there from last season, Simeone staying would still give them five forwards for two roles.
Llorente will likely admit that right back or wing-back is not his favoured position, but many Atletico fans would back him to win a spot over Molina. The Argentine struggled last season after an improved start to 2023, and there are major doubts over his role in general.
