Atletico Madrid are navigating a complex summer transfer window with potential departures across multiple positions, impacting sporting director Mateu Alemany’s ability to reshape the squad, according to Marca. José Giménez, Clément Lenglet, Alexander Sørloth, and Thiago Almada have all been identified as players whose futures at the club are uncertain.
The situation is distinct from the ongoing saga surrounding Julián Álvarez, who has publicly expressed a desire to join Barcelona, but equally important for Atletico’s transfer strategy. While Álvarez’s potential move is a high-profile concern, the departures of Giménez, Lenglet, Sørloth, and Almada will directly influence the funds available for Alemany to bring in new players, beyond the already completed signings of Alejandro Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee.
José Giménez, the club’s third captain with 13 years at the club, faces a shifting sporting reality. While Atletico will not pressure him to leave due to his long service, his recent injury record has hampered his reliability as a starter or even a consistent rotation option. Reports suggest Alemany is prepared to sanction a sale in central defence if a sizeable offer arrives, with interest from Argentina and Italy already reported. With two years remaining on his contract, Atletico hold leverage, but his injury history may limit potential value.
Clément Lenglet’s situation is more awkward, having been signed just a year ago and quickly falling to fifth-choice centre-back due to a series of costly errors. His low acquisition cost means there is no significant fee to recoup, but persuading him to terminate his contract early may prove challenging. Atletico may consider paying a portion of his remaining wages to facilitate his departure.
The most significant revenue from outgoing transfers is expected to come from Alexander Sørloth and Thiago Almada, both currently competing at the World Cup. Marca describe their potential sales as “strategic departures” that would directly fund further inbound reinforcements. Sørloth is linked with a move to Serie A, while Almada is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia. Sørloth’s exit could fund a new centre-forward, while Almada’s departure would necessitate a versatile attacking option.
Overall, Atletico Madrid are attempting a significant squad reset while managing the complexities of multiple departures. The proceeds from Sørloth and Almada’s sales will be crucial in determining the extent of Alemany’s inbound activity. The club has already confirmed the departures of Axel Witsel and César Azpilicueta, with Ángel Correa also agreeing a move to Tigres, resulting in a considerable loss of experience. The success of this summer will depend on Alemany’s ability to efficiently sequence these departures and secure meaningful arrivals before the transfer window closes.
The next step will be to see if the conclusion of the World Cup triggers concrete bids for Sørloth and Almada, and whether Giménez receives a credible offer that allows Atletico to resolve his situation.
