Simeone's first two January dismissals

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Espanyol Atletico Madrid

17/10/26 14:00:00

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Diego Simeone has two names highlighted for the Atlético de Madrid's winter transfer market: Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas, who were left out of the squad to face Alavés on October 10. The lack of playing time for both midfielders fuels the possibility that the club may seek a loan in January, although their situations are different.

Diego Simeone leaves out Mendoza and Vargas due to competition at Atlético

The absence of the two players in the list of 24 called up for Mendizorroza was the most recent indication of their role in the squad. The Argentine coach included academy midfielder Jorge Castillo, while bringing back Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sorloth.

The midfield competition affects the chances of Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas. Koke, Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and new signing Morten Hjulmand have a spot in the rotation. Atlético paid €40 million to Sporting de Portugal for the Danish player, strengthening competition for midfield spots.

Simeone's decision does not necessarily mean that both will leave definitively, but it does raise doubts about their immediate prospects. According to information from Estadio Deportivo on October 13, a loan move in the winter market seems like a possibility to provide them with continuity.

The first one doesn't take long. Rodrigo Mendoza scores for Spain! 🇸🇲 0-1 🇪🇸 | 9' 📺 @teledeporte #U21EURO | #NuestraBase https://t.co/HpOZjLjKng

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) October 1, 2026

Obed Vargas, without minutes and with loan options

Obed Vargas's situation is the clearest in terms of involvement: the 21-year-old midfielder has not yet played official minutes with the first team of Atlético in the 2026-27 season. Moreover, he has only been in four of the nine official squad lists until now, as reported by Estadio Deportivo.

The Mexican was close to leaving during the summer transfer window. Real Betis, Sevilla, and Valencia were linked to his future, but Getafe came closest to securing his loan, although the deal did not materialize.

Vargas arrived from Seattle Sounders about ten months ago for around €3 million and signed a contract with Atlético until 2030. The club may consider another temporary move to provide him with game time without losing control over his future.

Rodrigo Mendoza still has room to convince Simeone

The case of Rodrigo Mendoza, also 21 years old, has more nuances. The midfielder started the season with opportunities: he started in the first two Liga matches and played five minutes in the third against Sevilla. However, he has not featured in league games since then before being left out of the squad against Alavés.

Mendoza was acquired from Elche for €16 million and is under contract until 2031. During the last season, he played ten matches for Atlético after joining in the winter market. Moreover, he was called up by the Spanish U-21 national team during the latest international break, scoring a goal and two assists.

His future will depend on the opportunities he gets in the coming months. The Copa del Rey, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup could provide him with chances for rotation before the club makes a decision.

Diego Simeone will have to assess whether both can gain prominence before January. If Vargas continues without playing and Mendoza does not regain a place in the starting lineup, Atlético de Madrid might explore loans for both during the winter market; currently, there is no confirmed departure or agreements with other clubs announced.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los dos primeros descartes de Simeone para enero