Atletico Madrid are going to have one busy summer this transfer window, with four key players confirming their exit in June: Antoine Griezmann, Diego Godín, Lucas Hernandez and Juanfran. As well, players such Thomas Partey has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United, ‘Heir to Busquets‘ Rodri is potentially on his way out of the club with a rumoured move to Manchester City and Filipe Luis’ contract is expiring in June with Los Choloneros not planning on extending his stay. That’s probably seven players out the door, but with Saúl Ñíguez, Koke, Jan Oblak and Jose Gimenez committed at least for this season and €200 million plus on the transfer budget, it’s no wonder Diego Simeone is not pulling out his hair with stress over Atletico Madrid’s summer construction.

Atletico Madrid’s Summer Plan

Big Budget, Big Plans?

Simeone will have more than €200 million to spend on who he needs. A lot of big names are rumoured with a move to the Madrid-based team, names that include Paulo Dybala, who is reportedly unhappy in Turin after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer. Alexandre Lacazette is another notable name rumoured to join as the club would’ve signed in 2017 him if it was not for a transfer ban. However, Simeone stated in an interview that their priorities are not to go out and sign a superstar.

He said prior to Atletico’s match against Levante: “We will search for players that fit into the way we play and who are excited about wearing this shirt. It’s very hard to go after a superstar. We won’t do that. We will look for a player that could become a Griezmann in the future, like when we signed Griezmann from Real Sociedad.”

Bargain Hunter

Simeone is a smart buyer. He doesn’t buy the hottest prospects, instead digging deeper and hiring the players that suit his style. A classic example is José Maria Giménez, who signed from Danubio FC in Uruguay in 2013 for only €900,000. Now he is a world class defender reportedly worth €70 million. Simeone needs to fix his attack up desperately but, as quoted above, he is more interested in looking for a future superstar rather than a current superstar. Don’t be surprised if he might go for someone who is not recognised in world football. However, he has had some transfers that did not go perfectly planned, such as the case of Thomas Lemar. The Frenchman arrived after the World Cup for a record of €70 million, only to be a bit disappointing all season.

One player Atleti should race to sign is Girona’s Christian Stuani as the Uruguayan’s release clause dramatically dropped to €3 million after the Catalan club’s relegation. He would be ideal for the Madrid club for his goalscoring ability.

Shattered Defence

Losing four of their senior defenders is a great loss for Atleti but, optimistic as ever, the Argentine manager has a few good picks lined up.

Porto’s Alex Telles and Felipe are fan favourites. While Nicolas Otamendi, Matthijs De Ligt, Kieran Trippier, Marcos Alonso and Nikola Milenkovic are heavily linked with a move the Rojiblancos as well. Not to forget Nehuen Perez and youth academy player Javi Montero who could step up the cause.

Only time will tell to see how Simeone rebuilds but one thing is for sure; Atletico Madrid’s summer is going to be a busy one.

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