Many football experts often refer to the winter transfer market as an emergency market. However, Álvaro Torres, Football Director of the You First agency, prefers to view it as a platform for finding solutions. This market is particularly useful for teams that find themselves struggling at the bottom of the table, dealing with injuries to key players, poor squad performance, or enticing market opportunities. It is also beneficial for clubs looking to acquire new talent or monetize their assets by selling players in the last year of their contract.
While Atlético Madrid currently sits at the top of the table and has a healthy and performing squad, they have still been active in this winter transfer window, along with Granada. Despite no emergencies, the team aims to strengthen their chances in the league, especially in their upcoming match against Real Madrid.
Atlético Madrid is expected to make six moves in this market. They have already confirmed the additions of goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan from Rapid Bucharest and midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Antwerp. These additions, costing around 20 million euros, were desired by the coaching staff since the summer. The club had the financial resources after Carrasco’s departure and decided to seize the opportunity.
On the other hand, goalkeeper Ivo Grbic will be joining Sheffield United, and Javi Galán and Caglar Söyüncü have been loaned to Real Sociedad and Fenerbahce, respectively. According to Álvaro Torres, there are more loan deals than permanent transfers in this window, accounting for around 80% or 90% of the moves, mainly due to financial constraints.
Additionally, there are rumors of Gabriel Paulista’s potential incorporation into the team, considering his uncertain future at Valencia. The club considers his arrival necessary, given the current defensive concerns due to injuries and the departure of a Turkish central defender.
Another notable event was Moise Kean’s visit to Madrid. The Juventus player was set to join Atlético on loan, but his contract signing was halted due to a medical examination revealing an injury that would sideline him for four weeks. As for Correa, his proposed transfer to Al-Ittihad fell through due to financial disagreements, with the club’s demands reportedly around 30 million euros.
In other news, Atlético Madrid’s physical trainer, Óscar ‘El Profe’ Ortega, has announced his departure from the club after three stints, including the last one under Simeone. The Argentine coach has decided not to renew his contract with Atlético.
Overall, these six potential moves, including Paulista’s potential arrival, would make this winter transfer window the most active for Atlético Madrid in the last five years. While it may not match Granada’s 11 moves, it aligns with the trend observed in FIFA reports, which indicate a bullish market characterized by an increase in both the number of transfers and the overall money involved.