In these last days of the transfer market, Atlético de Madrid is looking to complete its squad. After the transfer of Joao Félix to Chelsea, and the arrival of Conor Gallagher, there will be new objectives. The club needs to solve the problems of last season if it wants to have a champion team.
Cholo Simeone knows what the problem is
Last season, Atlético Madrid went through a defensive crisis that exposed the weaknesses of a team historically known for its solidity in defence. Under the management of Cholo Simeone, the colchoneros suffered one of their worst campaigns in terms of defense , conceding more goals than in any other season since the Argentine coach's arrival in 2011.
This fragility in the back line was surprising, especially considering that Atlético's DNA had always been its ability to keep clean sheets . Furthermore, Cholo Simeone 's teams have always stood out for their tactical discipline in defence. The problems manifested themselves constantly throughout the season, with individual errors , a lack of coordination in the defensive line, and a loss of intensity .
This situation affected the team's results in La Liga , leaving them without a chance of fighting for the title from the start. It also raised doubts about Atlético's ability to compete at the highest European level , where defensive demands are even greater. The defensive level shown in Dortmund was deplorable, leaving the German team with a place in the Champions League semi-finals on a silver platter.
Against this backdrop, Atlético de Madrid 's priority for the new season must be to regain the defensive strength that has been the cornerstone of their past successes. Simeone and his coaching staff know that this is essential if they want to fight for the most important titles again. The objectives have been set, and it is time for the club to finalise these agreements.
The most needed signing: Gil Marín is looking for him
With the urgent need to strengthen the defence, Atlético de Madrid is focusing its efforts on finding a signing that will restore solidity to the back line. The main objective is to incorporate a reliable centre-back , who will return the club to the highest European level. The next few days will be crucial, as the club is facing some movements at the moment.
The first candidate is David Hancko, the talented Slovakian defender from Feyenoord . With a market value of 35 million euros , Hancko has attracted attention for his ability to lead the defence. His aerial game and his versatility are characteristics that would fit perfectly into Simeone's scheme .
The second name on the list is Piero Hincapié, the promising Ecuadorian defender from Bayer Leverkusen . With a market value of 40 million euros , he has proven to be one of the jewels of European football, standing out for his speed , aggressiveness and ability to anticipate plays. His youth and projection make him a very attractive option for Atlético , who are looking for a defender who can offer short-term stability and long-term growth.
If Hancko or Hincapié's arrivals do not materialise, Atlético already has a plan B in mind: Clément Lenglet . The FC Barcelona defender, with a market value of 10 million euros , is the most affordable and accessible option. He does not offer the same level of guarantees as the first two, but his experience in LaLiga could make him a viable alternative if the priority options do not materialise.