Recently, Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético de Madrid, had a crucial conversation with Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona. This conversation was aimed at exploring the possibility of signing Clement Lenglet, a centre-back who could have been a solution for the defence of the red-and-white team. However, the news coming from these discussions has not been encouraging for Atlético.
What Barcelona saw as an option to get rid of a large salary has not come to fruition. Atlético is considering other options, apart from the Frenchman, and the Catalan club did not see it as clear to sell to a direct rival.
Current alternatives for the left-footed centre-back
With the option of Lenglet on hold, Atlético de Madrid have redoubled their efforts to find a left-footed centre-back who can meet Diego Simeone's needs. Among the current alternatives, three main names stand out.
Feyenoord's Slovakian defender David Hancko had been a priority option for the team. However, recent reports indicate that contacts with Hancko have cooled. The player has expressed his desire to concentrate on his current club, which makes it difficult for him to join Atlético.
Options in Spain and England
In contrast, Mika Marmol, a young Spanish defender who plays for Las Palmas, has emerged as an interesting option. Marmol, 23, has had a standout season and his contract until 2026 with Las Palmas makes him an attractive candidate for Atlético. His experience in La Liga and his potential to adapt quickly to Simeone's style could be decisive factors in favour of his signing.
Finally, Bournemouth's Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi is also on Atlético's list of options. At 27, Senesi has proven his ability in European football and his estimated price tag of €22 million makes him a solid option. His experience and defensive skills could bring the stability the team is looking for to their backline.
Atlético de Madrid are still evaluating these alternatives in order to secure the signing of a left-footed centre-back who can meet the team's needs. Each decision taken at this crucial stage could have a significant impact on the final make-up of the squad.