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Simeone doesn't believe it: Míchel steals a signing from him and Gil Marín will have to look for another

The red-and-white coach will have to find another substitute for one of his stars

Atlético de Madrid had Pau López on their radar as a possible replacement for Jan Oblak. However, Girona have gone ahead and signed the goalkeeper. Girona coach Michel has managed to attract the former Olympique de Marseille player to strengthen his team for next season.

Pau López, a failed signing for Atlético de Madrid

Atlético de Madrid's interest in Pau López is no coincidence. With Oblak as the undisputed starter, Simeone was looking for an experienced goalkeeper who could be a reliable replacement. Pau López, who has shown his quality in teams such as Betis and Roma, seemed to be the perfect option for the colchoneros.

A soccer goalkeeper in a yellow uniform with a red stripe on his cheek, in a stadium during a match.
Paul Lopez | Europa Press

However, just when everything seemed to indicate that Atlético de Madrid had the situation under control, Girona entered the scene. Michel, aware that his team needs a top-level goalkeeper to compete in the Champions League, did not hesitate to make an offer that the red-and-white club did not match. Thus, Pau López decided to join the Girona project, leaving Atlético without its preferred option.

Michel strengthens his team with a reliable goalkeeper

For Michel, Pau López has arrived at just the right time. With Girona making their Champions League debut, the manager knows he needs a competitive squad. Pau López's arrival not only brings experience, but also creates healthy competition with Gazzaniga, the current first-choice goalkeeper. Girona, under Quique Cárcel, have made a number of smart moves in the transfer market, and the addition of Pau López is yet another example.

For Simeone, the loss of this signing is a hard blow. Atlético de Madrid must now look for another alternative to replace Oblak, a task that falls to Gil Marín. The Atletico board will have to act quickly to find a goalkeeper who meets the demands of a team that aspires to compete in all competitions.

Gil Marín looking for a new goalkeeper for Atlético de Madrid

With Pau López out of the equation, Gil Marín and the Atlético de Madrid board have to rethink their strategy in the transfer market. Finding a quality replacement for Oblak will not be easy, and time is running out. The colchoneros need to close a signing as soon as possible, especially with the season about to start.

Jan Oblak ep
Oblak in a match | Europa Press

The loss of Pau Lopez to Girona underlines the competitiveness of the transfer market. In the meantime, Atletico Madrid will have to continue searching, in the hope of finding a goalkeeper who can meet the demands of Simeone and his team.