Atlético Madrid’s summer transfer priorities Lead To Spurs Defender | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid’s Ambitious Summer: Building Around Julián Álvarez

Atlético Madrid are gearing up for an extremely busy summer, with the General Directorate of Football already outlining a detailed roadmap for squad improvement. As Marca reports, despite a challenging LaLiga campaign that could still end with a runners-up finish and Club World Cup qualification, the focus has shifted firmly to reinforcing the team around their new superstar: Julián Álvarez.

Carlos Bucero is at the heart of this rebuild. After a hectic previous window, he aims to continue the momentum of those exciting signings. “Despite a busy and complicated summer, Carlos Bucero has already outlined the guidelines that will guide his moves in a market in which he aims to continue the exciting signings from the previous season,” Marca highlighted.

Squad Gaps Revealed in a Testing Campaign

While the arrivals of Le Normand, Sørloth, and Conor Gallagher, alongside loan moves for Lenglet and Musso, have undoubtedly lifted the quality, Atlético’s season has revealed significant holes. The diagnosis from Bucero and the sporting directors is clear: “A signing is needed across all lines… and a completely new left wing.”

Nowhere is this more evident than at left-back. Even with Galán winning the internal battle over Reinildo and Azpilicueta, performances against Spain’s elite exposed a lack of top-tier options. “Atlético still has significant room for improvement at left back,” Marca notes, confirming this area as a top transfer priority.

Priorities in the Summer Draft: Cuti Romero and Baena

Two standout names are already emerging as headline targets: Tottenham’s Cuti Romero for central defence and Villarreal’s Álex Baena for midfield reinforcement.

Romero, valued at €70 million by Spurs, and Baena, with a €60 million release clause, present a significant financial hurdle. As Marca explains, “An investment that, obviously, would only be viable if Atlético managed to significantly reduce his price, even if both are in favour of the possibility of wearing red and white.”

Photo: IMAGO

The rationale is simple. Atlético believe only with elite-level recruits can they withstand the firepower of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Europe’s best. It’s a necessary gamble if Diego Simeone’s side are to compete on multiple fronts again.

Need for a Number 5, Griezmann’s Evolution, and Backup Plans

Addressing midfield remains another critical pillar of the summer strategy. The club’s longstanding search for a proper defensive midfielder — “the need for the number 5 that has been eluding them since the summer of 2023” — continues. Thomas Partey, available for free from Arsenal, remains the dream option, though competition will be fierce: “Thomas is the great desire, both for his unquestionable worth and for being free at Arsenal.”

Further upfield, Atlético must also plan for life with a different version of Antoine Griezmann. With the Frenchman expected to transition into more of a luxury substitute role “in the manner of Koke this season,” the need for a new striker grows urgent.

Other key plans include signing a backup goalkeeper — Musso could yet stay if a cost-free deal materialises — and strengthening the left flank with at least two specialist players capable of running at defences, particularly someone “more in the style of Lino.”

Carlos Bucero certainly faces a packed agenda. “Without a doubt, Carlos Bucero (departures aside, which would increase his budget) has work ahead of him,” Marca concluded.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Atlético fans are right to feel excited by this proactive approach, but also a little sceptical. Big promises have been made before at the Metropolitano, only for budget restrictions and complicated negotiations to blunt the final execution.

The focus on Julián Álvarez as the centrepiece is genuinely mouth-watering. If Atlético can surround him with top-class support, as planned, they could genuinely move up a level. However, the financial figures quoted — €100m-plus for Romero and Baena alone — are eyebrow-raising. Atlético are a club with limited margins, and the reported targets won’t come cheap.

Concern remains about their ability to land a true defensive midfielder, especially with clubs like Juventus and Bayern also lurking around Thomas Partey. The plan to evolve Griezmann’s role makes sense, but demands immediate success in the striker market. Fail there, and Atlético could look short up front.

Above all, the ongoing work on the left side feels crucial. Without real upgrades, especially against elite opposition, Atlético risk falling behind once again.

If they land even 70% of these targets, optimism will surge at the Metropolitano. If not, expect another frustrating season of near misses and what-ifs.