HA month ago, Atlético was proclaimed league champion. Exactly yesterday the first month of the celebration in Valladolid. Just two weeks before the red-and-white preseason starts on July 7, Atlético has several open fronts and many pending issues. It is not something exclusive to the colchoneros, the Eurocup and the America’s Cup, together with the market situation make everything stand still at this time.
Arrival of Rodrigo de Paul
The first issue on the table that the rojiblancos have is the possible arrival of Rodrigo de Paul. The Udinese midfielder is shining in the Copa América with Argentina and is the one chosen by the club to become this season’s great signing. The matter seems very advanced, even in Italy it was taken for granted last week, looking at 35 kilos the price of the transfer, although prudence was requested from the Metropolitan offices. Pending the operation of the liquidity of the Madrid table, it will be necessary to wait a few days for it to be completed.
The right side
From England they continue to insist on the option that Trippier leave Atlético for the Premier. Something that they do not contemplate in the Metropolitan unless it was paying the clause of the English footballer. The one that could come out is Vrsaljko. The Croatian, who is contesting the European Championship with his national team, has already commented a couple of times that he is happy in Madrid but that his desire is to play. If the side left, Atlético would have to see the situation in which it is Arias after having had to be operated on again and assess the option of going to the market to supply a possible exit.
A substitute for Oblak
Another question to be solved is that of the partner of Oblak. The possible departure of Grbic To find minutes, he would force Atlético to go to the market in search of a substitute for the Slovenian. It would not be an easy task to find a goalkeeper who meets all the requirements and who accepts the status of substitute. There are several names that have been linked to the rojiblancos in these first days of the market, but until the departure of the Croatian goal is completed there would be no movements.
The replacement of Luis Suárez
The departure of Diego Costa in December and the termination of the loan of the footballer who came to replace him in the winter market (Dembélé), leave the Athletic with the obligation to find a replacement for Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan, who was decisive in the achievement of the league title, needs a replacement of guarantees that allows him to continue extending his performance as much as possible. In Atlético they know it and they handle different alternatives to find a substitute for Lucho. Given the market situation, a major operation up front seems unlikely unless there is an exit from one of the important players. For now, the arrival of a substitute ‘9’ could be resolved with a new assignment.
Saul’s possible departure
There has been a lot of talk this June about the departure of Saul from Atlético. For now, two weeks after the start of the rojiblanca preseason there is nothing new. The canterano mattress has lived a season of the most atypical for a footballer used to being a key piece for Cholo. That loss of prominence could make him consider a change of scene, but for now there is nothing more than speculation. Another name that could also take the exit door is Vitolo, the Canarian soccer player wants to play and at Atlético he is not having the minutes he demands.
