After having invested 184 million euros in the last transfer market window (not including variables) in the purchase of four players and two on loan, it is time to ask ‘El Cholo’ Simeone what Atlético de Madrid has to aim for.
A new era at Atlético de Madrid:
After a disastrous 2023/2024 season in which the team finished fourth in LaLiga and failed to advance past the quarterfinals in the Champions League, the club decided to wipe the slate clean by completing one of the most ambitious transfer markets in the Simeone era.
Up to ten players have been dropped for this recent season with names such as Saúl, Morata or João Félix. On the other hand, the board has opted to spend close to 200 million euros, taking into account the shortcomings of the team and signing in all areas of the field, even closing the second most expensive signing in the club’s history, Julián Álvarez (75 million euros), as well as incorporating the second top scorer of the last league and a Spanish international defender.
Game by game:
Despite having made a great transfer market, the coach’s philosophy does not change. And this has caused a stir, as for some people this “defeatist” and “small team” mentality that can only look forward to the next game should change.
In terms of squad and quality, Atlético are capable of fighting for everything and I refer to the facts. For starters, they are alive in all competitions (something that has not been seen for a long time). With its great work in the Champions League, it has finished the first phase in the ‘Top 8’, is fully involved in the fight for LaLiga title and are only two games away from conquering the Copa del Rey. With this data, this team is very exciting.
Golden players on loan:
The globally known phrase “never fall in love with a loaned player” has come true at Atlético de Madrid and doubly so, and it has been a long time since two loaned players have fit so well in the Atlético de Madrid ranks. Both Musso and Lenglet have won the affection of the fans.
The first for being the goalkeeper of the Copa del Rey. The second, and I think I’m not just speaking for myself, for having shut our mouths. And, having heard names on the market like Hancko or Hincapié, Lenglet’s was a little short. However, the French central defender has known how to wait for his moment and has shown what a great player he is.
Luis Piñedo, the best signing for Atlético de Madrid:
Luis Piñedo is the name of what for me has been the best signing of Atlético de Madrid this season, and he has not had it easy as he has had to play the role left by a legend at the club such as ‘Profe Ortega’.
Since he has arrived, the team has been more physical and that can be seen in the results, being able to reach the final minutes with a power that few teams have, which has made them win many games in the final stretch. In addition, this is one of the first seasons in which ‘El Cholo’ Simeone has been able to have the entire squad available, which is a relief for the coach.
With all this, the question is clear and the answer given by both the president and the Argentine coach is the same: the goal is to qualify for the Champions League. But given what we have seen (even without having made any signings in the winter window), I think we can demand something more from this team, and not only because of the signings, but also because of the performance they are showing.
Having said that, I think I am not the only one excited about the team, not only with the incredible performance of the signings and the recovery of other figures in the squad, but also because of the synergy between team and fans. Because this Atlético and now, more than ever, are candidates for everything.
Main image: @Atleti.
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