Simeone's rejects are looking for a team
Simeone does not have several first-team players, and they could leave in the coming weeks.
The Atlético de Madrid is preparing a possible exit operation for the January transfer market with three players who need to change their situation: Obed Vargas, Rodrigo Mendoza, and Arnau Ortiz.
All three have lost prominence in Diego Pablo Simeone's plans and could leave the Metropolitano on loan to find the minutes they are not getting during the 2026/27 season.
"🗣️ The truth is I leave happy with the team. We are under construction; we still have things to improve." The words of Cholo Simeone after Atlético de Madrid's defeat against FC Barcelona #ElPost https://t.co/dRi0kiceB2
— DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) November 8, 2026
Obed Vargas, the clearest discard of Simeone
The situation of Obed Vargas, a 21-year-old Mexican midfielder, is one of the most delicate in the rojiblanca squad. He arrived from Seattle Sounders in February 2026 and signed a contract until 2030, but competition in the midfield has ended up reducing his opportunities.
The Mexican has barely played 12 official minutes this season and has only participated in one of the first team's matches. This figure explains why Mateu Alemany is considering looking for a temporary exit for him in January.
His situation already generated movements last summer. Valencia, Betis, and Getafe were linked with a possible loan, but no operation ended up materializing.
Atlético does not want to lose control over a player they invested in with hopes for his development. Therefore, the most logical alternative is to find him a Primera División team where he can accumulate matches and return with more experience.
Rodrigo Mendoza needs to regain prominence
The second name is Rodrigo Mendoza, a 21-year-old midfielder who arrived from Elche for approximately 16 million euros. His signing was a bet by the sporting management, especially by Mateu Alemany, but his adaptation to the team has not been easy.
Mendoza started the season with opportunities. He was a starter in the first two league matches and also participated in the third, but since then his presence in the lineups has decreased significantly.
The competition from Koke, Pablo Barrios, Johnny Cardoso, and Morten Hjulmand complicates his chances of finding continuity. Simeone has several alternatives for the midfield, and the young Spaniard has not managed to establish himself in the rotation. His future will be reviewed over the coming weeks. Atlético is considering a loan for him to regain prominence, with Getafe and Elche among the destinations linked to his situation.
Unlike Vargas, Mendoza still has room to convince the Argentine coach, but he needs to participate regularly to continue his development.
Arnau Ortiz, from starter to disappearing from lineups
The third case is that of Arnau Ortiz, a 23-year-old winger who earned a first-team contract after standing out during the last campaign with Atlético Madrileño.
His numbers in the reserve team justified the bet: 23 goals and six assists in 38 matches in Primera RFEF. In addition, he convinced Simeone during preseason and started the season as part of the starting XI. However, his situation has changed radically. After playing his last minutes against Osasuna on September 16, he has not participated in any official match since. He has also not debuted in the Champions League, despite being available for several matchday squads.
The lack of opportunities has turned his future into a mystery. Atlético could consider a loan to avoid him spending the entire season without continuity, although his ability to play on the wing may also be useful for Simeone in light of certain absences.
January will mark the future of the rojiblanco discards
Mateu Alemany has work ahead to reorganize a squad that needs reinforcements, especially at left-back. The sporting management is studying several departures to free up spots and facilitate new signings.
Vargas, Mendoza, and Arnau Ortiz are three different operations but share a problem: they need to play and currently do not find enough space in Simeone's plans.
The winter market may offer them a solution through loans, although Atlético will need to evaluate which teams guarantee regular participation and allow them to maintain control over their contracts. January 2027 will be an opportunity for all three to regain prominence away from the Metropolitano.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los descartes de Simeone buscan equipo