Key week in
Atlético de Madrid
for the squad setup for the 20/21 season. Or at least it should be. Because the rojiblanco club needs to move quickly in the offices, taking into account that the market closes on October 5 and that so far, there have been hardly any movements in the squad.
Three specifically. And one is Yannick Carrasco, who was on loan to Atlético in the second half of last year. The mattresses reached an agreement with Dalian Yifang to stay in property with the Belgian, who has signed for four seasons with the Madrid entity. The other two changes have been in the goal. One way out, that of Adam to the Sporting from Portugal, and an arrival, that of Ivo Grbic, Croatian goalkeeper who will be the replacement of Mejorada. Nothing else.
It was expected to be a market with few signings. It was already announced by the CEO and maximum shareholder of Atlético, Miguel Angel Gil Marin. But the truth is that there are two or three demarcations that Diego Simeone wants to reinforce. Left back, forward and midfield, although in the latter position, the market will only be used if a footballer comes out.
In reality, it is the same that happens with the '9', although in this demarcation, Atlético does want to transfer a footballer (Diego Costa) to close the onboarding of another attacker. Instead, in the center of the field, only if Thomas leave the club, they will go for another means. Another thing is that some proposal arrives by Hector Herrera, which at the moment has not occurred.
And then there is the left side, a position that is currently covered with Lodi and Manu Sánchez, who has just extended his contract until 2025, but the club's and youth squad's plans went in another direction. Because the left-handed winger had closed his loan to Osasuna for one season. Atlético hoped to close the agreement with Getafe for Mathías Olivera to yield to Manu and that he had minutes assiduously in First, but after an approach to the azulones, the colchoneros later offered much less money than they demand for the Uruguayan. The operation is on standby, but both parties hope to resume it this week.
In what Atlético must also advance this week is in the exits. Players like Arias (with strong interest from England), Lemar, Saponjic or own Diego Costa are some of those on the market.