Atlético identifies Grimaldo's replacement

Atlético de Madrid is studying the incorporation of Sergi Cardona, a 27-year-old left-back from Villarreal, in the winter market to cover a position where Alejandro Grimaldo does not have a specific replacement. Mateu Alemany is looking for a cost-effective option, and Cardona's contract, which ends in June 2027, could facilitate a deal in January, according to Marca.

Atlético de Madrid seeks competition for Alejandro Grimaldo

The planning by the rojiblanco left the signing of a second left-back pending after the departure of Matteo Ruggeri. Grimaldo arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2026 and signed until June 30, 2030, but the squad still lacks another natural specialist for that position.

The usual alternative involves placing David Hancko on the wing, although that move reduces options in central defense. For that reason, Mateu Alemany is still searching for a player that allows Diego Simeone to rotate without altering the team's structure too much.

The option of Nicolás Tagliafico did not materialize in the past summer market. The Argentine was close to joining Atlético, according to provided information, but the operation did not receive final approval after the anticipated departures did not close under the expected conditions.

The club ended up resorting to Dani Martínez, a reserve defender repurposed to cover the wing. However, the search for a specific replacement continues, and the plan for January includes a player to compete with Grimaldo, not necessarily a starter ahead of the Spanish international.

💣🚨 BREAKING: Atlético Madrid have identified the left-back spot as a priority in the upcoming winter transfer window. One of the options they are considering is Villarreal's Sergi Cardona, who is an attractive option. The club wants a left-back who can compete with Grimaldo. @marca

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) November 10, 2026

Sergi Cardona, a low-cost option for Atlético de Madrid

Cardona has a contract with Villarreal until June 30, 2027. This contractual situation may favor a negotiation before he enters the last six months of his contract, although an offer from Atlético or an agreed amount between the clubs has not been made public.

The left-back arrived at Villarreal in July 2024, after playing in Las Palmas. In his first two campaigns with the Castellón team, he accumulated more than 70 League matches, with two goals and eleven assists, figures that reflect his involvement in attack.

This profile is one of the reasons why his name fits into the rojiblanco search. Cardona can advance down the wing and participate in creating chances, a characteristic that would allow Simeone to maintain an offensive output from the wing when Grimaldo is unavailable.

His situation at Villarreal is also part of the analysis: Carlos Romero competes for minutes in the same position. Still, the originating club has not announced that it is willing to sell him in January, so any possible move will depend on the conditions of a negotiation.

Mateu Alemany keeps the planning open for January

Atlético is looking for an addition that meets a specific need without allocating a high investment on a player initially intended for rotation. Mateu Alemany must assess the cost of the operation, Cardona's availability, and the fit of the left-back in Simeone's plans.

For now, the interest does not equate to a closed agreement. The next step will be to see if Atlético formalizes its monitoring and opens conversations with Villarreal before the winter market begins. Sergi Cardona is listed as an option to consider to strengthen Atlético de Madrid, while Alejandro Grimaldo remains the reference for the position.