Two men wearing Atlético de Madrid jackets, one in the foreground and one in the background.

Simeone finds his Sergio Busquets: free transfer and Fernando Torres is grateful

The Argentine coach could count on a young player from the youth team

Atlético de Madrid have found a gem in their youth system that promises to be a hot topic in the near future. Javi Serrano, a young midfielder who has already proven his worth in various lower categories, has decided to stay at the red-and-white club to fight for a place in the first team.

Javi Serrano debut
Serrano with Atleti | @atleticodemadrid

This decision, far from being a simple move within the transfer market, could be the key for Simeone to find in him his own Sergio Busquets. A player capable of providing balance, vision of the game and a clean exit from midfield.

A luxury reinforcement for the reserve team

Although the initial idea was to find a destination for Serrano during this summer, the transfer window closed without any exit being finalised. Given this situation, the young midfielder will join the ranks of Atlético B, where he will be under the tutelage of Fernando Torres. This is excellent news for the reserve team, since Serrano, with his experience and quality, is shaping up to be a top-class reinforcement.

Fernando Torres, who knows well the importance of having a strong youth system, will undoubtedly welcome the arrival of a player of Serrano's stature. This move not only strengthens the reserve team, but also gives Torres the opportunity to work with a player who could make the step up to the first team.

Simeone's support

Diego Simeone, known for his keen eye for spotting young talent, has already shown interest in Serrano. El Cholo included him in several first-team training sessions during pre-season, where the midfielder had the opportunity to demonstrate his skills. Although he will start the 2024/25 season with the reserves for now, it is not ruled out that he could have minutes with the first team if he continues to show the same level of commitment and performance.

Javi Serrano osterr
Javi Serrano | YouTube

Simeone has repeatedly shown that he is not afraid to give opportunities to promising youngsters. Cases such as Rodrigo Riquelme, Pablo Barrios and Giuliano Simeone, who have managed to make a place for themselves in the first team after their time with the reserves, are proof of this. Serrano, with his quality and determination, could be the next to follow in his footsteps.