The transfer market has ended for Atlético de Madrid and it has done so with some unfinished business in the squad. Some players who were being sought for an exit for months have not been able to find a new destination. One of them is Thomas Lemar , who has always hoped to recover his best form and has had many opportunities under Simeone.
This is not the first time that Atlético de Madrid has tried to find another club for the French midfielder, but it is an impossible mission. In addition, the player spent many months without playing a match after the serious injury he suffered againstValencia at Mestalla . He has had a preseason to gain a place in a midfield that is more competitive than ever.
Thomas Lemar is reborn
It is no surprise that the French footballer has been one of the targets to make room in the squad for several years. Thomas Lemar 's performance at Atlético de Madrid has been very irregular, with his best season being 2020-21. The reality is that Simeone has always given the midfielder plenty of opportunities, even when his performance was at its worst.
Thomas Lemar had not been included in the first three squads of the season, leaving his future up in the air. In fact, he will not be in the match that will be played this afternoon against Athletic Club in Bilbao . However, the Colchoneros have not found a way out for him and he will have to stay in the squad to earn a place.
This will surely be the most difficult season to find a starting position in midfield, with so many players. So far, Simeone has not been able to repeat a central midfield pairing in the three games already played. On the other hand, the arrival of Conor Gallagher represents another threat for Thomas Lemar, who will have to work harder than ever.
Conor Gallagher is waiting for his chance
For now, the English international has only been able to play a few minutes in the victory against Girona in the second matchday. Simeone tried him out in the starting eleven in the build-up to the clash against the Spaniard, but he ended up being a substitute. Conor Gallagher is one of the players who has created the most expectations among the red-and-white fans and it is hoped that he will get his big chance.
The only one who seems to have earned the status of undisputed is Pablo Barrios , a starter in the first two games played. The youth player was not present in the preseason when he played in the Olympic Games where he won the gold medal. Simeone only uses two midfielders in his formations, leaving a single vacant place for too many players.