Simeone's duties for the January transfer market
Atlético de Madrid needs to improve its squad if it wants to compete for titles.
Atlético de Madrid needs to strengthen its squad in the winter market, aiming to compete for all major titles, and the roadmap indicates that there are three areas of the field where they need to add players that can enhance the rotation.
The coaching staff led by Diego Pablo Simeone and the sports management considers it essential to add a left-back, a top-level midfielder, and a center forward, responding both to the projected departures from the squad and the irregular performance of several players in high-demand continental matches.
The three tactical priorities on Metropolitano's agenda
To safeguard the team's competitiveness in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, the red and white technical secretariat has structured its actions in three specific fronts:
-Left Back: The priority is to incorporate a reliable specialist who can provide direct competition and rest for Álex Grimaldo. This move would allow Dávid Hancko to be tactically freed to reintegrate him permanently into the core of the defense, a fundamental preventive measure in light of the possible departure of Robin Le Normand in the upcoming market.
-Midfield: The anticipated departure of young talents like Obed Vargas and Rodrigo Mendoza on loan will reduce the number of players in the midfield. Simeone demands a profile capable of rotating with Pablo Barrios and Koke, as both the Danish Morten Hjulmand and the American Johnny Cardoso have displayed competitive shortcomings when facing Europe's toughest opponents.
-Center Forward: The offensive department has become urgent due to the poor performance and possible departure of Alexander Sørloth in January. Additionally, Simeone has reduced his trust in forwards like Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman, calling for a reliable striker to ensure the team's goal tally.
Exit operation and financial margin for January 2027
The execution of this reinforcement plan will be closely linked to the efficiency of the Cívitas Metropolitano offices in finalizing the anticipated departures. Freeing up salary mass and obtaining liquidity through the operations of Sørloth, Le Normand, and the loans of youth academy players will be crucial in approaching the winter market with maneuverability.
The sports commission of Atlético de Madrid will intensify planning meetings during the upcoming weeks of November and December 2026 to filter final candidates for each position. If the projected departures are unlocked in time, the Colchonero club will activate a triple offensive in the market to provide Diego Simeone with a balanced squad at the beginning of January 2027.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los deberes de Simeone para el mercado de fichajes de enero