Two men pose in a stadium, one of them wearing a suit and tie, while the other wears a white knitted shirt.

Conor Gallagher's signing triggers departure of Enrique Cerezo's protégé

The red-and-white club has decided to let go of this player after the arrival of the Englishman

Conor Gallagher's recent signing for Atletico Madrid has had a significant impact on the team's squad, leading to the departure of Arthur Vermeeren to RB Leipzig. This decision underlines the dynamism of the transfer market and how the arrival of new players can reconfigure the structure of the team.

Two soccer players in action during a match, one in a blue uniform and the other in a gray uniform, in a stadium with spectators in the background.
Vermeeren in a match | X: @Atleti

Arthur Vermeeren, the promising 19-year-old Belgian midfielder, was acquired by Atlético Madrid in the last winter transfer window from Antwerp for around €25 million. Despite the expectations generated around his talent, Vermeeren has had limited involvement, having played just 161 minutes. This lack of time on the pitch and the process of adapting to Simeone's style of play contributed to the decision to loan him out.

The arrival of a wish for Simeone

The arrival of Conor Gallagher has been a key factor in the restructuring of Atletico Madrid's midfield. Noted for his energy and link-up ability, Gallagher has been signed to bring creativity and depth to the team. With his arrival, Atletico needed to make adjustments to their squad to meet salary and space requirements.

The signing of Gallagher has led the club to make strategic decisions about who should leave the team to make room for new signings. In this context, the loan of Vermeeren to RB Leipzig has become a practical solution. The agreement with Leipzig includes a mandatory purchase option if Vermeeren plays a certain number of games.

Top-level squad

The move will allow Atletico Madrid to free up space in their squad and adjust their salary cap, making it easier to sign new players such as Gallagher. In addition, Vermeeren's loan to Leipzig offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a competitive environment, something that could be beneficial to his career in the long term. RB Leipzig will be the perfect stage for Vermeeren to showcase his quality and secure a permanent transfer at the end of the season.

A football player wearing an Atlético de Madrid shirt greets fans in a stadium illuminated with fireworks and backlighting.
Gallagher at his presentation | X: @Atleti

Atlético Madrid, under Simeone, are focusing their efforts on strengthening their midfield and improving the team's overall performance. Vermeeren's loan to Leipzig, along with the addition of Gallagher, is a key part of this strategy. While Vermeeren seeks further experience in the Bundesliga, Atlético are preparing for a new season with a tighter squad ready to compete.