La Liga
The 2026 winter market has kicked off with a domino effect that has major European capitals on edge. The imminent departure of Giacomo Raspadori to Atalanta has forced the Atlético Madrid sporting director to react swiftly. In this context, Atlético de Madrid has set its sights on the Premier League to regain the lost dynamism in its frontline.
Donyell Malen, currently with Aston Villa, emerges as the explicit request of Diego Pablo Simeone to bolster his squad. The Argentine strategist seeks a versatile profile willing to play a key substitute role without disrupting the atmosphere of the Madrid team.
🚨⚫️🔵 BREAKING: Atalanta are set to sign Giacomo Raspadori from Atlético Madrid after surprise late night move.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 13, 2026
Atalanta to beat AS Roma. pic.twitter.com/uBcQJ9IETO
Atlético de Madrid's Battle with AS Roma for Goals
The situation of the Dutch forward in Birmingham is complex, having been relegated to a secondary role under Unai Emery's leadership. The excellent form of players like Ollie Watkins has pushed Donyell Malen to the bench, significantly limiting his playing time. Although Roma had a verbal agreement for a loan with an option to buy, the Spaniards' entry changes everything.
Atlético Madrid aims to improve the financial terms offered by the Italian club to definitively convince the Villains' board. Reports from England suggest that the definitive transfer could be valued at around 35 million euros, a figure under consideration by Metropolitano.

Donyell Malen's Key Factor for the 2026 World Cup
For the 26-year-old player, the sporting aspect is as significant as the economic one due to the upcoming summer World Cup. Donyell Malen knows he needs consistency for Ronald Koeman to consider him for the Netherlands national team. While Roma guarantees immediate starting position, Atlético Madrid offers him exposure to the elite and a more ambitious project.
The striker's stats this season showcase his scoring ability despite lack of continuity, with seven goals in his appearances. Gianluca Di Marzio and other experts confirm that the next hours will be decisive in resolving this love triangle involving Birmingham, Roma, and Madrid.
The New Offensive Alternative for Cholo Simeone
Simeone particularly values the ex-Dortmund player's ability to break compact defenses coming off the bench in the second half. With Raspadori's departure almost sealed, Atlético Madrid cannot afford to start February with one less piece in their arsenal. The attacker's versatility allows him to act as a reference point or on the wings, providing the team with much-needed tactical freshness. Despite Atalanta's interest in other profiles, coach Gasperini has led the Spanish club to expedite the process for the Dutch forward.
The club's offices work against the clock to finalize contractual details before Roma formalizes their preliminary agreement. The player will have the final say, deciding between secured playing time in Italy or the challenge of success under Metropolitano's demands. Currently, Atlético Madrid emerges as the most appealing destination in sporting terms, with fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of a reinforcement promising to restore the necessary firepower to compete for all titles at stake.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Atlético de Madrid eligió al sustituto ideal de Raspadori
