UEFA Europa League
Atlético de Madrid is already making moves for the upcoming summer transfer market. The red and white club aims to strengthen its midfield and has two heavyweight names on its radar: Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, and Rodrigo Bentancur from Tottenham.
Both fit the profile sought by Diego Simeone: experience, quality, and leadership skills.
Youri Tielemans, the Belgian bet
The Belgian midfielder, who is under contract in England until 2027, is a key player in Aston Villa's setup. At 28 years old, he has accumulated over 300 official matches in European leagues and has been an international for Belgium since 2016.
His market value is estimated at 38 million euros, although Atleti would be willing to negotiate for a fixed amount of 35 million plus variables. The club believes his ability to distribute the ball, get into the opposition area, and provide balance makes him an ideal profile to compete in LaLiga and maintain a presence in the UEFA Champions League.
A stat that supports his impact is his 87% pass accuracy during the last season in the Premier League. "I feel at a moment of football maturity, I enjoy every game," Tielemans recently stated.

Rodrigo Bentancur, Uruguayan experience
The other main target is Rodrigo Bentancur, a 28-year-old Uruguayan midfielder under contract until 2026 at Tottenham. Despite being a starter at the beginning of the season, the London club seems focused on giving minutes to young talents, raising doubts about his future.
Bentancur already has experience in Serie A, Premier League, and the World Cup, besides being a key player in the team led by Marcelo Bielsa. With the Spurs, he has an 82% pass accuracy and an average of 3 recoveries per game, reinforcing his profile as a complete player.
"I am focused on helping Tottenham, but in football, you never know," he recently stated, leaving the possibility of a change open.

Atlético de Madrid's plan
Atlético de Madrid is looking to reinforce an area where the departures of players like Conor Gallagher would leave significant gaps. For Simeone, a profile like Bentancur's would fit in the double pivot, while Tielemans would bring playmaking vision and attacking threat from deeper positions.
The board follows clear economic criteria: investing in Tielemans if Aston Villa accepts the payment terms, and waiting for a market opportunity with Bentancur, whose contract could facilitate his departure under advantageous conditions.
Beyond numbers and negotiations, what is at stake is Atlético's ability to sustain its competitiveness in local and international tournaments.
Atlético de Madrid's interest in Youri Tielemans and Rodrigo Bentancur confirms the intention to reinforce the midfield with experienced and proven quality players. Both footballers represent different but complementary profiles, capable of providing balance and creativity in a crucial area for the red and whites.
If any of these signings materialize, Simeone would take an important step in his project, ensuring a solid midfield to face the challenges of LaLiga and the Champions League in the upcoming season.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Atlético busca nuevo mediocampista: 2 candidatos sobre la mesa
