Latest news with #DiegoSimeone
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atletico Madrid 'emerging as favourites' to sign Manchester United player
Atletico Madrid want to complete their attack with one more signing, and the player to arrive could be a familiar face. It has already been a busy summer for Atleti, with Alex Baena, Matteo Ruggeri, Thiago Almada and Johnny Cardoso having been signed. But club bosses are not done yet, and at least a couple more players could arrive before the transfer window closes at the start of September. A new central defender is needed, but there is also a desire for another winger to arrive. Atleti have moved for Ademola Lookman, but he looks set for a move to Inter, having agreed personal terms with the Nerazzurri. Because of this, alternative targets will be needed, and one of them is at Manchester United. According to The i Paper, Atleti are interested in signing Antony, who will almost certainly leave Man United before the end of the summer. The 25-year-old, who registered nine goals and five assists during his loan spell at Real Betis during the second half of last season, is reported to be available for £30m. Image via Diario AS Betis want to re-sign Antony, but they currently cannot afford the asking price set by Man United. On the other hand, Atleti would be able to, especially if they manage to secure a transfer for Samuel Lino, who is a strong candidate to leave the RiyadhAir Metropolitano. Antony would be a valuable addition to La Liga In terms of right wing options in Diego Simeone's squad, Atleti only have Giuliano Simeone and Marcos Llorente (who is preferred as a right-back), so it does make sense to consider signing someone. And in terms of targets, Antony could be on the best, especially if he can keep up the form he showed at Betis. It remains to be seen whether Atleti sign Antony, but for now, no concrete efforts have been made to do a deal with Man United.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Quickly-forgotten ex-Chelsea star, 30, set for immediate transfer after having his contract ripped up
A FORMER Chelsea flop is set to move to Turkey for Trabzonspor after 12 years in LaLiga. The midfielder enjoyed tremendous success at Atletico Madrid where he amassed a total of 48 goals and 26 assists in 427 appearances across a 10-year stint at the club. 2 And the ex-Spain international helped Atletico win LaLiga in 2021, Copa del Rey in 2013 and two Europa League trophies ever since breaking into the first team in 2012. The popular No8 only spent one year away from Spain as he was loaned out to Chelsea in 2021. However, the Spaniard failed to replicate the same success at Stamford Bridge as he only managed a mere one goal in 23 appearances. The central midfielder fell out of favour under Atleti manager Diego Simeone last season as he was loaned out to Sevilla - his second loan stint in Spain after spending the 2013-14 campaign at Rayo Vallecano. That is none other than Saul Niguez, who is now heading to Trabzonspor. According to TRT Spor, the Turkish Super Lig outfit have reached an agreement in principle with Saul. Mundo Deportivo report the midfielder will be moving out of Madrid as a free agent after the club terminated his contract. And now the Atletico hero is set to fly over to Turkey to put pen to paper. Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke has been looking to add some firepower in his midfield throughout the summer. And it seems like the Turkish outfit have finally found their man as the finer details are being ironed out. Chelsea hunting Morgan Rogers as Garnacho and £100m Jackson wanted by Villa | Transfers Exposed Saul amassed one goal and six assists in 26 appearances with Sevilla across all competitions last season. A move to Trabzonspor would see him reuniting with former Atletico team-mate Stefan Savic.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Newcastle eye move as La Liga rule may force exit at Atletico
Report: Premier League Door Opens as La Liga Rule Could Push Gallagher Out of Atletico Conor Gallagher's future at Atletico Madrid hangs in the balance, as the club's latest business in the transfer market has brought them up against one of La Liga's oldest and most restrictive regulations. After a promising debut season in Spain, Gallagher may now find himself surplus to requirements due to La Liga's long-standing limit of only three non-EU players per squad. As reported by GOAL, the arrival of Thiago Almada from Botafogo has tipped Atletico over the allowed quota, leaving Gallagher in a precarious position. Although he has impressed under Diego Simeone and adapted well to the demands of Spanish football, the impact of Brexit has stripped English players of their EU status, placing them within the same bracket as South Americans and others without European passports. According to Cope, Atletico may prioritise retaining Nahuel Molina and Samuel Lino, with Gallagher emerging as the most likely to make way. Photo IMAGO Premier League Links Strengthen While this situation may seem unfortunate for the 25-year-old, it has not gone unnoticed in England. Gallagher has already attracted Premier League attention this summer, with both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur monitoring developments closely. A return to the English top flight may suit Gallagher, who still harbours ambitions of becoming a central figure for the national team. 'Gallagher has already been linked with a return move to the Premier League in recent weeks, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United touted as holding an interest in the 21-cap England international,' GOAL reports. Newcastle, in particular, could benefit from Gallagher's tireless energy, tactical discipline and ability to contribute in both phases of play. With Sandro Tonali expected to serve a lengthy suspension and Bruno Guimarães regularly linked with moves away, Gallagher could slot into Eddie Howe's midfield with immediate effect. The challenges faced by Gallagher are not new. La Liga's three-player rule on non-EU nationals has existed for more than five decades and was reportedly introduced following Johan Cruyff's transfer to Barcelona. Although workarounds such as applying for citizenship via marriage or extended residency exist, they require time that Gallagher does not have if Atletico are to balance their squad for the new campaign. 'There are ways to get around these rules, such as applying for EU citizenship through a spouse or after having played in Spain for five years,' GOAL explains. For Gallagher, who joined Atletico for £34 million from Chelsea just last summer, his immediate options appear limited. Unless the club can offload another non-EU player or secure citizenship for someone in the squad, he may have no choice but to depart — not based on form or desire, but due to administrative necessity. Photo IMAGO What Comes Next for Gallagher Despite the circumstances, Gallagher's value has arguably risen since making the move to Spain. Under Simeone, he has grown tactically and physically, learning from one of Europe's most demanding coaches. A return to the Premier League would not be a backward step, but potentially a chance to showcase his evolved profile in an environment that already suits his qualities. 'If Atletico do ultimately decide that Gallagher should be the player to leave the club in order to comply with La Liga's rules, it is believed the 25-year-old would be open to a Premier League return,' GOAL noted. At 25, Gallagher is reaching his prime and is unlikely to be short of suitors. His blend of work rate, leadership and top-flight experience make him a valuable asset for clubs seeking an injection of energy and reliability in midfield. Should Atletico be forced to sell, they would likely demand close to the £34 million fee they paid a year ago. For many Premier League clubs, that represents value in today's market, especially for a homegrown, Premier League-proven player who has now added continental experience to his résumé. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Newcastle supporter's perspective, the situation around Gallagher should spark real interest. While his exit from Atletico might not be driven by footballing reasons, it presents a rare opportunity to acquire a high-quality midfielder at a potentially reasonable fee. Gallagher would bring a new layer of intensity to Newcastle's midfield, offering a natural successor to the suspended Tonali and complementing the technical style of Guimarães. Moreover, Gallagher's style fits the Howe blueprint. He presses relentlessly, covers ground tirelessly and shows positional intelligence — traits highly valued at St James' Park. His age and Premier League experience mean he wouldn't require a bedding-in period either. If he becomes available, the club should be at the front of the queue. As the club prepares for another European campaign and looks to push for consistent top-four finishes, investing in proven depth like Gallagher could prove decisive. Supporters would welcome such an addition, not just for his talent but for what his signing would signal — that Newcastle are now a destination club for England internationals at their peak.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Official: Atlético Madrid announce another new signing
The busy summer transfer window being enjoyed by La Liga giants Atlético Madrid has continued late this week. This comes amid confirmation of a fresh addition to the attacking ranks in Diego Simeone's squad. The player to have taken his talents to the Metropolitano for the seasons to come? Thiago Almada. The name of frontman Almada has of course proven a prominent one in the headlines in Spain's capital across the week to date. This comes, first, after word was forthcoming that Atlético were ready to ramp up efforts to bring the Argentine international in for next season. As much was soon followed by an agreement being announced with Botafogo over the terms of a deal. This left just the formalities to be sorted through, before the Rojiblancos could announce Almada as the newest addition to the club's first-team ranks. And as alluded to above, on Thursday evening, precisely as much was forthcoming. As per a statement across Atléti's website and social media platforms: 'Atlético de Madrid and Botafogo have reached an agreement for the transfer of Thiago Almada, who will sign with our club until June 30, 2030.' Conor Laird – GSFN
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atletico Madrid tracking departing Fenerbahce veteran
Diego Simeone is expected make more signings into his growing Atletico Madrid squad before the end of August. Los Rojiblancos are rebuilding for the 2025/26 campaign on the back of another frustrating season in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Simeone has already sanctioned several sales and long-serving midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is on course to move on with MLS side Inter Miami lodging an offer for the Argentinian. That will leave a hole in Simeone's midfield which he hopes can be filled by the new arrivals at the Estadio Metropolitano. Who have Atletico Madrid signed this summer? Simeone has already spent an estimated €113m in transfer fees either side of Atletico Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup exit at the group stages in the USA. Spain international Alex Baena is the marquee signing, after an impressive year at Villarreal, and he will become the new engine room conductor. Photo by AP / LaPresse / Diario Sport Thiago Almada and Jonny Cardoso will add legs to the midfield with club captain Koke expected to see his role cut further. Matteo Ruggeri is a fresh option at left back, with Juan Musso returning permanently as back up goal keeper, alongside fellow former loanee Clement Lenglet. Simeone's funds will now be reduced, but he could make a bargain move for Dusan Tadic, as per Mundo Deportivo. Dusan Tadic to Atletico Madrid transfer latest Tadic scored 13 goals across all competitions for Jose Mourinho's side last season and he now leaves on a free transfer. With the 36-year-old's contract in Turkey expired, he is available as a free agent, and that has caught Simeone's eye. Retired from international football, he represents a relatively low risk target, with his salary demands the only possible block. Tadic is rumoured to have rejected the Saudi Pro League, as he wants one final crack at the Champions League, if a move to Madrid suits both parties.