Marcos Llorente close to Al-Ahli move — Simeone set for record as Manager

Two new reports suggest that Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente is close to a move to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, joining the likes of Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez, and Allan Saint-Maximin in the summer’s mass exodus from Europe to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi league has been eyeing almost all of the top talent across Europe, and those regulars that buy Atletico Madrid tickets felt a relief earlier in the transfer window that their players were safe. 

Fast forward to August – it looks like nobody is safe.  The transfer market has already seen notable players like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Ruben Neves, and Jordan Henderson move to the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo made the move in the middle of the previous season.

However, some reports conflict with the rumors of Llorente’s move to Al-Ahli. According to Relevo’s Matteo Moretto and Marca’s David Medina, no offer has been submitted to Atlético Madrid, and there have been no negotiations with the player so far.

Llorente’s role at Atlético Madrid has been evolving, and he was once a crucial part of Diego Simeone’s starting XI. However, his significance decreased after the club signed Rodrigo de Paul and adopted a more possession-focused style of play.

In the past, Llorente had played as a right-back when Atlético lacked one, but the emergence of Nahuel Molina as the starter has further limited Llorente’s opportunities.

During his best season with Atlético, Llorente scored 12 goals in La Liga, helping the team secure the title. This was when Llorente got his highest rating on the pitch and with the fans who buy Atletico Madrid tickets.

He started in 33 games and played a vital role in the success of the 2020/2021 team. However, he started only 21 games last season and scored just one goal, compared to no goals the year before. His potential move to Al Ahli may be a referendum on his current significance to Atlético Madrid.

Joao Felix gets ugly with Atletico

Atletico Madrid has set a crucial condition before considering any potential move to sell Joao Felix. The Portuguese international, who recently returned from a six-month loan spell at Chelsea, has been linked with a transfer away from Madrid for the 2023/24 season.

Felix’s place in Diego Simeone’s plans is still being determined, and the club may consider selling him to generate necessary transfer funds. Recently, Felix expressed his ambition to join Barcelona sometime in his career, describing it as a ‘dream’ to play for the Catalan club.

However, Barcelona’s financial constraints make a summer offer unlikely, and Paris Saint-Germain is rumored to be considering a move for the player.

According to reports from Portuguese outlet Correio da Manhã via Diario Sport, Atletico Madrid has taken a stance and will not entertain any transfer offers until Joao Felix publicly apologizes for his recent comments about wanting to leave the club.

The club and all the fans who buy Atletico Madrid tickets were reportedly annoyed by Felix’s perceived lack of regard for his contract with Atletico Madrid. 

The manager wants to resolve the issue before considering any potential transfer.

Legendary Atlético defender Godín announces retirement

Diego Godín, the former Atlético Madrid defender, has announced his retirement from football after a successful 20-year career, including nine memorable seasons at Atlético. Players such as Koke, Saúl Ñíguez, Stefan Savić, and head coach Diego Simeone paid tribute to Godín following his final game for Argentinian side Velez Sarsfield, where violence, unfortunately, marred the occasion. 

Godín, a longtime Uruguay international, made 788 appearances for club and country, scoring 46 goals and winning ten trophies throughout his career. However, his legacy will forever be linked to Atlético and the Cholismo philosophy. He made 389 appearances for the club, the most by a foreign-born player until Jan Oblak surpassed him last season. During his time at Atlético, he won eight trophies and established himself as one of the top center-backs of his generation after Simeone arrived in 2011.

Despite a challenging first season in Madrid after his move from Villarreal, Godín quickly became a key player under Simeone. He played a pivotal role in marshaling the Atlético defense for almost a decade. During this time, he gained the support of every fan who buy Atletico Madrid tickets to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium with his flair and leadership. 

But the fans will remember him for one single incident better – his header in La Liga ended Los Rojiblancos’ 18-year title drought.

Godín won the UEFA Europa League twice and claimed the UEFA Super Cup thrice with Atlético, lifting it as club captain in 2018. He also won the Copa del Rey in 2013 against arch-rival Real Madrid and scored Atleti’s lone goal in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final. 

However, European Cup success ultimately eluded him during his time at Atlético. 

After leaving Atlético on a free transfer in 2019, Godín joined Inter Milan under Antonio Conte and played in another Europa League final the following season. He later had spells at Cagliari and Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro before returning to South America and appearing for Velez Sarsfield.

Godín’s contributions to Atlético de Madrid are immeasurable, and he is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the club’s history. His composure, intelligence, aerial prowess, and positioning made him a dominant central defender and a key player in Atlético’s renowned defense.

Fans who’ve supported the club and witnessed him play waiting in queues to buy Atletico Madrid tickets will never forget and appreciate Godín’s incredible drive and determination on the field, and he will be missed as he embarks on his retirement.

Simeone set for Record-Contract

Atletico Madrid will offer Diego Simeone a contract renewal that would extend his spell beyond 12 years at the club. Since arriving in late 2011, Simeone has played a crucial role in transforming Atletico into a European power and the third dominant force in Spanish football, alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid. 

While there were doubts about his future at the club last season, where fans who buy Atletico Madrid tickets were skeptical of his ways, the team’s rejuvenation after the World Cup and impressive performance in the second half of the season have dispelled any concerns.

According to Marca, Atletico is expected to offer Simeone a new deal in October, likely during the international break. His current contract will end soon, but Chairman Miguel Angel Gil reportedly wants Simeone to remain at the club until his tenure ends, which some believe will be in 2026.

Simeone is currently the highest-paid manager in the world, so Atletico might propose a reduction in his salary during negotiations. However, the strong bond between Simeone and the club suggests that the talks will likely be amicable.

As the longest-serving coach in La Liga by a considerable margin, Simeone’s continuity at Atletico is highly valued. While there were moments when it seemed he struggled to get the best out of his players, particularly last season, few argue against his significance and influence on the team. 

Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone continue to have a successful and mutually beneficial partnership.