Who Should Atletico Madrid Sign

The summer transfer window is alive and buzzing with possibilities — and who should Atletico Madrid sign is a question burning on the lips of fans, pundits, and rival scouts alike. In this piece, DaoKick takes you on a scouting journey: from delving into Atleti’s squad weaknesses to profiling top targets they must consider to mount a serious La Liga and Champions League push.

Table of Contents

Squad Needs: Where Atlético Must Reinforce

To answer who should Atletico Madrid sign, we first map out the areas of vulnerability in the current roster. These are the spots Simeone and the sporting leadership should prioritize:

Position	Weakness / Problem	Why It Matters
Centre-back	Injuries, aging core, departures	José María Giménez is out injured, and the defensive spine needs reloading.
Defensive midfield	Lack of depth behind main options	Atlético historically rely on a “shield” in front of the backline; lacking cover risks collapse in high-stakes games. ily Sports])
Left-back / full-back	Reinildo’s contract expires + offloads	Replacement or competition at full-back is crucial as squad balance demands width and defensive solidity.
Creative midfield / attacking midfield	Adding spark behind forwards	With attack options evolving, a link-up playmaker could unlock defenses and relieve pressure.
Forward (backup / depth)	Overreliance on main strikers	Injuries, rotation, fixture congestion — Atleti need options to keep pressure up in all competitions.

With that framework, let’s examine the strongest candidates to fill these roles.

Core Transfer Targets To Watch

Below are the speculative and confirmed names worth serious consideration in each crucial position.

Defence & Center-back

David Hancko
Atlético have reportedly agreed terms with Feyenoord for Hancko’s signing. The Slovak center-back brings experience, athleticism, and versatility to a backline that desperately needs reinforcement.
Nacho (Domínguez-Mompell?)
There’s talk of Simeone eyeing a veteran presence. Whether it’s Nacho or someone of his profile, experience will be key. chajes.net])
Cristian Romero
Linked in rumors, the Argentina international would be a statement addition in terms of physicality and reputation, though cost and competition will be stiff.

Midfield Reinforcements

Johnny Cardoso
Atlético have already struck a deal with Betis for 23-year-old midfielder Cardoso, who is expected to anchor transitions and offer youthful energy in the engine room. ters])
Javi Serrano / Arthur Vermeeren
Internal options and younger profiles under consideration as longer-term midfield solutions. They offer dynamism, pressing capacity, and cost efficiency.

Left-back / Full-back

Alejandro Grimaldo
Atleti are reportedly targeting Grimaldo, and experience — the kind of full-back that can alter the balance on Atlético’s flank.
Replacement for Reinildo
With Reinildo’s contract expiring and several Premier League clubs circling, Atleti must find either a direct replacement or upgrade.

Creative Attack / Forward Support

Thiago Almada
Rumors suggest Atlético have moved to acquire Almada as a creative spark behind the forward line. His youth, dribbling, and vision would be ideal to connect midfield and attack.
Nicolás González
Reports claim Atlético are pushing to finalize González from Juventus — a forward who can rotate or relieve pressure in attack zones.

Tactical Fit: What Simeone Needs

Signing stars is one thing. Ensuring they merge with the Cholismo DNA is another. Over time, Atletico under Simeone has evolved: from the rigid low block to a hybrid that demands defensive solidity and the ability to build up. ility to build up.

Key traits that new signings must possess:

Work rate and defensive duty — From full-backs to number 10s, every role must contribute to pressing and transitions.

Tactical intelligence — Understanding when to drop, when to surge, and when to hold shape is non-negotiable under Simeone.

3.Technical composure* — Especially in midfield and defence, being able to survive pressing traps and circulate under pressure.
Versatility — Many Atleti targets are multi-role: center-backs who can step into full-back roles, mids who can occupy half-spaces, attackers who can drift wide.

Any signing who fails to adapt to these demands will be exposed.

The Strategy: Short Term vs. Long Term

To satisfy who should Atletico Madrid sign, the club must balance immediate firepower with sustainability:

Short term: Hancko, Cardoso, Grimaldo — players who can slot in this season and help stabilize weak areas.
Long term: Almada, young midfield profiles, versatile defenders — building for years, not just months.

Atlético cannot build a squad purely of marquee names; strategic depth matters. The club’s financial realities and La Liga’s spending caps also force smart trade-offs.

Risks & Challenges

Even the best transfer plan is only as good as its execution. Atleti must navigate:

Injuries — Giménez’s current fitness issue highlights the need for cover.
Player integration — Adapting foreign players to La Liga’s physicality and Atlético’s system can take time.
Budget constraints and FFP — Heavy deals may be limited; value signings are essential.
Competition from rivals — Big clubs will bid for the same names (e.g. Romero, Almada), pushing price and complexity.

Conclusion

Who should Atletico Madrid sign? The club’s blueprint should aim for balance: reinforcing the defensive spine with Hancko or Romero, adding midfield grit via Johnny Cardoso, sharpening width with Grimaldo, and injecting creativity through Thiago Almada or Nicolás González. These links blend youth, experience, polish, and intensity — the ingredients for a title aspirant.

If you’re an Atlético fan or a football aficionado, stay tuned — the coming weeks will reveal whether these dreams become signings. DaoKick will continue to track every rumor, every medical, and every unveiling so you won’t miss a beat.