Diego Simeone is still there. Despite the many rumors surrounding his future last year, the Argentine still leads the Colchoneros this 2023-24 season. And as always, he has a say in the transfer window. As far as arrivals are concerned, he notably obtained those of Cesar Azpilicueta, Çaglar Söyüncü, Javier Galan, Mouriño or even Samu Omorodion. On the departure side, El Cholo opened the door to several elements including Geoffrey Kondogbia and Renan Lodi, both of whom left for OM.
Simeone no longer wants João Félix
But Simeone still has other players he won’t keep this summer. At the top of the list, and this is not a surprise, we find João Félix. Relations between the two men have been icy for several months. Sent on loan last winter to Chelsea, the Portuguese did not convince the Blues. He therefore returned to Madrid where we no longer count on him. Although his manager has said publicly that the former Benfica will have to fight for a place, his fate has been sealed since he announced that he wanted to join Barça. This, without the agreement of Atléti.
But his case is not unanimous at Barça. Xavi is unimpressed as management believe he can be the club’s new star. To make matters worse, the Culés are financially limited. The Colchoneros are not closed to a paying loan. An operation that would cost 22 million euros for one year (loan allowance, player’s salary) according to Report. Which is considered too expensive by the FCB. But the key to this operation could be Ansu Fati. Atlético are seduced by his profile and ready to recover him this summer.
Other departures are planned
Another case to settle for Atléti, that of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco. When the time comes for the transfer window, the Belgian is often cited as a candidate for departure. Last winter, Barça had also tried it. This Wednesday, AS explains that the former AS Monaco player is tempted by a challenge in Saudi Arabia, he who had played in China in the past. It is on the side of Al-Shabab that he risks putting down his suitcases. The Saudi Pro League is also making eyes at Axel Witsel. At the end of the contract in a year, the Red Devil will be sold if a good one arrives according to brand. Ditto for Rodrigo DePaul. The Argentinian world champion is in the sights of Al-Ahli, who is ready to put 30 million euros on the table.
For now, the player closes the door. This is not the case of Colchoneros, who see this offensive in a good light. Same with Mario Hermoso. Free in a year, it is also on the shelves of Al-Ahli according to our information. It will not be retained. Also approached by Saudi Arabia, Alvaro Morata, who wants to return to Italy (AS Roma, Juventus, Inter), can leave as well as stay. A time announced starting, Thomas Lemar and Marcos Llorente will continue. Ditto for Antoine Griezmann. Despite the crazy rumor sending him to PSG at the request of Kylian Mbappé, he wants to continue this season with the Colchoneros. Colchoneros who could be stripped during the final sprint of the transfer window.
