Atletico Madrid still has plenty at stake this season, yet discussions about their summer transfer strategy are already underway. Sporting director Mateu Alemany aims to strengthen various aspects of Diego Simeone’s squad, with the most pressing task being the search for a suitable replacement for Antoine Griezmann.
Recently, it was announced that Griezmann will depart Atleti at the end of the season to pursue his ambition of playing in Major League Soccer, specifically with Orlando City. This departure necessitates finding a replacement, and while potential replacements have been discussed recently, Alemany has chosen to explore alternative options.
According to Marca, Julian Brandt is the leading candidate to take over Griezmann’s role. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder will be a free agent at the season’s end and has already decided against renewing his contract, presenting a clear opportunity for Los Colchoneros to sign him.
Atletico is keen to recruit a player who mirrors Griezmann’s playing style, and Brandt fits that criteria. He has netted 11 goals and provided three assists this season while playing in a midfield role, and there’s confidence that he could excel even further within Simeone’s setup by playing more advanced.
Brandt among potential signings this summer
This summer promises to be another active transfer window for Atleti, who are intent on narrowing the gap with Barcelona and Real Madrid. Brandt could be one of several acquisitions, as the club plans to strengthen their defense and midfield. In particular, Ederson and dos Santos are currently among the top targets for the latter position.