Atlético de Madrid's priority for the January transfer market
These first months of competition are helping Simeone realize several failures in last summer's planning.
Diego Simeone wants to strengthen the defense in the upcoming transfer market for Atlético de Madrid for the second half of the season. The physical issues of Cristian Romero and the latest performances of Robin Le Normand have highlighted the need to incorporate another center-back. The Argentine coach considers it a priority to have more options and will communicate this request to Mateu Alemany.
The 0-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Champions League has increased the concern. The red-and-white team suffered defensive errors that ultimately affected the outcome, especially in the first goal by the German team.
Cada vez que lo veo me parece más grave el fallo. Los dos goles que nos meten ayer son errores nuestros. Esto de Le Normand no lo puede hacer un jugador profesional en la vida. https://t.co/nCozv0Yym1
— AtletionTop (@AtletiOnTop) November 4, 2026
Diego Simeone needs solutions for Atlético de Madrid's defense
The last European match highlighted Robin Le Normand, who made a decisive error in the 54th minute. The center-back attempted to control a ball inside the area, but Lennart Karl took advantage of his indecision to recover it and get past Jan Oblak.
The action provoked an immediate reaction from Diego Simeone, who substituted the defender just five minutes later to introduce Koke. Bayern then extended their lead thanks to a goal from Konrad Laimer in the 74th minute. The three teams that need Lisandro Martínez.
This is not the first time Le Normand has been highlighted for individual mistakes this season. His performance has raised doubts at a moment when the coach needs solutions to maintain the team's stability.
The situation with Cristian Romero also doesn't help. The 28-year-old Argentine center-back suffered a muscle injury during the match against Espanyol on October 17, and since then, he has had difficulties regaining consistency.
Romero missed matches against Stuttgart and Deportivo, returned to the squad against Levante, and was again absent against Bayern. His absence requires the coaching staff to modify a defense in which the Argentine had established himself as a starter.
Mateu Alemany will need to look for a center-back for January
Given this scenario, Diego Simeone believes it is necessary to incorporate another center-back who can compete with Robin Le Normand and provide guarantees when Cristian Romero or Dávid Hancko are not available.
Atlético de Madrid also has Marc Pubill, who has played in different defensive positions. However, injuries and individual errors have reduced the available options to face a schedule with commitments in LaLiga and Champions League.
The sports management, led by Mateu Alemany, will need to explore market possibilities. So far, no specific names have come to light, nor is there a confirmed offer, but the goal would be to find a player capable of joining the rotation from January.
It is necessary to rethink the defensive system
In addition to potential signings, Simeone will need to review some aspects of defensive functioning. Losses near their own area and difficulties in overcoming rival pressure were especially exposed against Bayern.
The next commitment will be against FC Barcelona this Sunday, November 8, an important test to evaluate the team's response. After that comes the international break, a period that Diego Simeone can use to adjust his defensive system before Mateu Alemany makes decisions about possible signings in January.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La prioridad del Atlético de Madrid para el mercado de enero