The 5 best signings of the Simeone era at Atlético Madrid

The Argentine has extracted performance from many footballers during his time on the red and white bench.

Mario Roldán Martínez | 16 Aug 2026 | 20.00
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Diego Pablo Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid / Getty Images
Diego Pablo Simeone, coach of Atlético de Madrid / Getty Images

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Espanyol Atletico Madrid
17/10/26 14:00:00
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Simeone has turned Atlético de Madrid into one of the most competitive teams in Europe since his arrival on the bench in December 2011. Among the numerous signings made during his tenure, Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, José María Giménez, Marcos Llorente, and Ángel Correa stand out for their performance, longevity, and importance in winning titles. Who knows if any Atlético signing this season will soon break into the top ranks?

The criterion is clear: all arrived at the club with Simeone already as head coach and subsequently played a significant role under the Argentine. Hence, players like Diego Godín or Koke, who were already part of the squad when this stage began, are excluded.

Griezmann and Oblak, Simeone's Best Signings

Antoine Griezmann was signed by Atlético de Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2014 for around 30 million euros. Simeone found in the Frenchman an attacking piece capable of assuming various roles, making his arrival one of the most significant operations of his era.

Griezmann ended up as the all-time top scorer for Atlético, in addition to winning LaLiga 2020/21, the Europa League 2017/18, and the UEFA Super Cup 2018. He also surpassed 400 appearances as a Rojiblanco. His production and consistency justify his top position.

Jan Oblak arrived from Benfica in 2014 for around 16 million euros. The Slovenian began as an alternative to Miguel Ángel Moyá but quickly secured the starting position and became one of the team's most consistent performers.

Oblak won six Zamora trophies and was part of the squad that won LaLiga 2020/21. His goalkeeping performance sustained Atlético for over a decade, making him one of the players with the most appearances in the club's recent history.

Griezmann, Simeone's best signing / Getty Images

Giménez, Despite the Injuries

José María Giménez was a future investment for Atlético in 2013 when he arrived from Danubio at just 18 years old. The operation cost about a million euros, significantly less than the value the center-back would eventually achieve.

Simeone gradually integrated the Uruguayan into the team until he became a regular feature in the defense. Giménez has surpassed 300 games with Atlético and was part of the squad that won LaLiga 2020/21, along with other titles during his time as a Rojiblanco.

His case represents one of the models that has worked best under the coach: bringing in a young player, developing them within the structure, and turning them into a key player.

Llorente and Correa Complete the Top List

Marcos Llorente joined Atlético from Real Madrid in 2019 for around 30 million euros. His situation in the white team was different from what he would find with Simeone, who ended up identifying a new position to enhance his qualities.

The midfielder gained prominence as an interior and also as an attacker, especially during the 2020/21 season. That season, he was one of the most utilized players in the team that won LaLiga, with offensive contributions exceeding those recorded in his time at Real Madrid.

Llorente has surpassed 300 appearances with Atlético and remains one of the most versatile players Simeone has had during his tenure.

Ángel Correa arrived at Atlético de Madrid in 2014 from San Lorenzo for a sum close to 10 million euros. At 19 years old, he needed an adaptation period before establishing himself in the squad.

Over the seasons, Correa became a regular offensive resource for Simeone. His ability to act as a second striker or from a wing allowed him to stay in the team despite various squad changes.

The Argentine won LaLiga 2020/21, the Europa League 2017/18, and the UEFA Super Cup 2018, in addition to surpassing 450 appearances as a Rojiblanco. His longevity and offensive output place him ahead of other signings during the era.

The list reflects a consistent factor in Simeone's management: the best signings were not always the most expensive. Griezmann, Oblak, Giménez, Llorente, and Correa arrived at different times but all ended up playing vital roles at Atlético de Madrid.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 5 mejores fichajes de la era Simeone en el Atlético