News Focus
- Atletico Madrid must sell players before they can buy new ones this summer
- Club captain José María Giménez could leave after the team conceded 81 goals last season
- French defender Clément Lenglet also faces exit while three centre-backs will stay
- Sporting director Mateu Alemany wants Cristian Romero as his top defensive target
- The summer transfer window closes on 31 August
Atletico Madrid are preparing for a difficult summer transfer window. The Spanish club finished last season with serious problems at the back. They let in 81 goals in all competitions. Sporting director Mateu Alemany knows he must sell some stars before he can sign new defenders.
The club will keep only three of their five senior centre-backs. David Hancko and Marc Pubill have guaranteed places. Robin Le Normand will act as a rotation option. This leaves José María Giménez and Clément Lenglet looking for new teams.
Giménez is the team captain and a fan favourite. However, injuries have stopped him playing regularly. Manager Diego Simeone has also picked other players ahead of him. Local reports suggest there is tension between the Uruguayan defender and the coach. If a big offer arrives, the club will consider selling their captain.
Lenglet joined for just €3 million but has made costly errors. Alemany hopes to recover this money easily. The club wants to sign Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur to strengthen the defence. They also need funds for a new midfielder. Selling Giménez would upset the supporters, but it may be necessary to balance the books. The transfer window shuts on 31 August.