The player that Atletico wants to sell, but can't

José María Giménez is going through one of the most delicate moments since arriving at the Metropolitano as he is hindering several operations in the Atlético de Madrid's transfer market. The Uruguayan defender left a disturbing message on social media at the end of the season, featuring an image of the fans and a farewell-scented song, but his departure is not as straightforward as it might have seemed.

The defender is 31 years old, has a contract until 2028, and earns more than 6 million euros annually, a salary that greatly limits the number of clubs capable of taking on such an operation. That is why, even though the market is watching, his continuity at the Metropolitano starts to appear as the most logical scenario.

José María Giménez, a historic figure conditioned by injuries

The story of José María Giménez with the red-and-white club is not that of just any player. He arrived in 2013 from Danubio, at just 18 years old, and has since experienced almost the entire era of Diego Simeone on the bench.

Although not a homegrown player, his bond with the club closely resembles that of a homegrown footballer. He has played in 382 official matches, has lifted two LaLiga titles, one Europa League, one Spanish Super Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup, statistics that place him among the most important players in recent Atletico history.

The issue has never been his level when he is available. The major obstacle has been physical problems. This season, he has only appeared in 25 out of 61 official matches for the team, totaling 1,521 minutes, far behind players like Hancko, who surpassed 4,000 minutes.

Atlético de Madrid faces a dilemma with its captain

Atlético de Madrid knows that José María Giménez's situation is not simple. In terms of performance, he remains a central defender of hierarchy, aggressive in marking, dominant in the penalty area, and experienced in big games. However, his physical continuity no longer offers the same guarantees.

Defensive planning is pointing towards significant changes. The club aims to find an exit for Lenglet, intends to bring in another central defender, and Diego Simeone has already given considerable importance to profiles like Pubill and Hancko. In this context, the Uruguayan will have to fight to regain a spot that once seemed rightfully his.

LaLiga and the market complicate any move

In LaLiga, a salary like Giménez's weighs heavily on the salary cap. This is one of the reasons a sale might be beneficial for the club, but it is also a significant obstacle to overcome. Finding a buyer is not enough; that team must be able to cover both the transfer fee and the player's wages.

Moreover, the center-back does not seem willing to force anything. Prior to Uruguay’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, he made it clear that he will listen to what Atleti decides. In other words, if the club opens the door, he will consider the situation; if not, he will continue to compete for a place.

Diego Simeone will decide Giménez's role

For Diego Simeone, the decision also has an emotional component. Giménez has been one of his most reliable soldiers for years, a player who understands the shield, the dressing room, and the competitive demands of the Argentine coach. However, football does not wait, and the defense requires continuity.

The World Cup can help assess his current state. Although he started as a substitute for Uruguay, a good performance could reignite interest from other clubs. Nonetheless, his age, long contract, and high salary make any negotiation complex.

José María Giménez remains a special name for the fans and for Atlético de Madrid, but the market no longer views him in the same light. His future seems to oscillate between a difficult farewell and one last internal battle to show that he can still be significant for the red-and-white team.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El jugador que el Atlético quiere vender, pero no puede