Two Atlético de Madrid players pose in front of a brick background, one in a red uniform and the other in a grey uniform.

Atlético de Madrid's plan for its defence: Giménez and Le Normand await a companion

The Colchoneros need to strengthen their defence before the end of the transfer window, as it is not yet fully formed.

After several high-profile signings such as Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sorloth and Robin Le Normand, Atlético wants to finalise the arrival of a dance partner for the latter. The red-and-white defence needs reinforcements and the signing of the Spanish international is not enough to cover Simeone's defensive needs. Knowing this urgent need to get another defender, two names stand out quite strongly on the brand new list of favourite candidates for the Argentine coach.

Atlético de Madrid's two candidates to strengthen their defence

Since the start of the transfer window, David Hancko 's name has been heard loud and clear around the Metropolitano as a candidate to take over the defence of Atlético de Madrid . The Slovakian has had a very high-level season, including the European Championship , and that is why the offices of the Madrid team are interested in signing him. His numbers do not lie, as does his future projection, and for these reasons Atlético does not stop in its efforts to secure the services of the player.

Football player in Bayer Leverkusen uniform smiling and giving thumbs up.
Hincapié is one of the footballers who convinces Simeone the most | Bayer Leverkusen

In addition to Hancko , another of the Madrid players' favourite options is Piero Hincapié , a centre-back who has also been closely linked to Atlético this summer. The Bayer Leverkusen player would be delighted to work under Simeone , with whom he believes he could exploit those key qualities to win last year's Bundesliga title. While we wait to see who the red-and-whites opt for, the operations with both clubs are not expected to be easy at all from the start, although they will try to reverse the situation.

Headaches

Feyenoord have already rejected a number of offers from Atlético de Madrid , which they have considered to be quite low for the transfer of David Hancko . The Colchoneros have not given up in these two months and are still pushing for the Slovakian to wear red and white this season, which is about to begin. Although Leverkusen are demanding a significant amount of money for Hincapié , his operation seems to be more feasible financially speaking.

Soccer player in Feyenoord Rotterdam uniform on the playing field.
Hancko is Atletico Madrid's top target | Europa Press

Convincing Xabi Alonso

After a historic season, in which the Spanish coach has lifted the first title in Leverkusen 's history, Xabi Alonso would not just let go of his defender. Hincapié would be in favour of the transfer, yes, but the difficult part would be negotiating with Bayer to reach an agreement that would satisfy both the Bavarians and the Atletico fans. While waiting to see what happens with both players, Atlético de Madrid is working tirelessly so that one of the operations can be done this summer.