Simeone assigns tasks to Mateu Alemany

Atlético de Madrid has once again identified needs in its squad after the draw against Villarreal and the 3-0 defeat against Athletic, with Diego Simeone focusing on correcting defensive balance and finding more alternatives in midfield. The Atlético's transfer market has already closed for the summer, so Mateu Alemany will need to consider solutions for January.

Atlético de Madrid: Grimaldo sparks debate at left-back

The situation of Alejandro Grimaldo is at the center of the debate. The 31-year-old full-back, joined from Bayer Leverkusen last summer signing until June 30, 2030, in a deal that could reach 25 million euros including variables.

The issue is not his offensive contributions but the balance required by the system. Grimaldo provided 14 goals and 12 assists in the 2025-26 season, while Simeone has tested defensive alternatives on the left flank to better protect that area.

The most evident hint was before the market closure. On September 1, Atlético tried to bring in Nicolás Tagliafico and had previously negotiated for Jorge Salinas and Hugo Bueno, but no deal was finalized. Salinas had a 16 million euro release clause, while Bueno was considered for a loan move.

This move demonstrates that Mateu Alemany had already identified the need to add another profile to the left-back position. Ultimately, the club promoted Dani Martínez, a 22-year-old capable of playing as a left-sided center-back and full-back, instead of making an external signing.

Simeone requests more solutions to strengthen Atlético de Madrid

The second focus is on the midfield. The loan of Thomas Lemar to Elche for the remainder of the season reduced one option in the squad, although the team still retains Koke, Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and Morten Hjulmand, among others.

Hjulmand, 27 years old, has become a key figure since his arrival from Sporting CP, while Cardoso returned after a year marked by injuries. Internal competition exists, but the competitive context may lead Simeone to seek another profile if the squad shows balance issues again.

Atlético de Madrid faces a challenging sequence with a visit to Real Sociedad and a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on September 9. The defeat at San Mamés, conceding three goals, has put defensive performance under review just before this stretch.

For Mateu Alemany, the upcoming real deadline will be the winter transfer window. Atlético de Madrid cannot currently sign players from other clubs so any reinforcement for left-back or midfield will have to wait until January, unless an opportunity arises with free agents.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Simeone pone deberes a Mateu Alemany