Marcos Llorente Set for Atlético Madrid Exit as Contract Talks Stall
Atlético Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente is set to leave the club this summer, with the player and the club failing to agree terms on a new contract, according to sources close to the situation. The 29-year-old's current deal expires in June 2025, and with no breakthrough in extension talks, a summer sale is now considered the most likely outcome.
Llorente, who can operate as a right wing-back or in midfield, has been a key utility player for manager Diego Simeone, making 31 appearances across all competitions this season. His current deal includes a release clause reported to be in the region of €45 million, a figure that could prove a significant obstacle for potential suitors given his contract situation. Atlético are understood to be open to a sale this summer to avoid losing the player on a free transfer next year.
A product of Real Madrid's youth academy, Llorente joined Atlético from their city rivals in 2019 for a reported €30 million. He became an instant hero for the Colchoneros, most notably scoring twice against Liverpool at Anfield in the 2019-20 Champions League round of 16, a tie Atlético went on to win. His versatility and work rate have made him a valuable, though not always a guaranteed starter, under Simeone.
The Spanish international's situation has reportedly attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with his physicality and tactical intelligence seen as a good fit for English football. A return to Italy, where he had a loan spell with AS Roma early in his career, has also been speculated. For Atlético, the priority will be to secure a fee for a player entering the final year of his contract, with the funds likely earmarked for squad reinforcement. Llorente's departure would mark the end of a significant era, closing a chapter for a player who has been a symbol of the side's resilience and tactical flexibility under Simeone’s long tenure.
