Atletico Madrid are currently in the headlines following their shock deadline day move for Antoine Griezmann. The player completed a loan transfer to his former club, with the obligation to buy him for €40 million.
The champions of Spain enjoyed a very fruitful transfer window by bringing in Rodrigo De Paul from Udinese early in the window. They also sanctioned the arrival of Hertha Berlin striker Matheus Cunha, and completed a move for Fluminense winger Marcos Paulo on a free transfer. The Portuguese has been loaned out to Famalicao in the Portuguese league to gain game time amidst the talent competing in the first team.
Also on the deadline day, Atletico managed to reach an agreement with Chelsea for the loan transfer of Saul Niguez. The Spaniard wanted out of the club since the beginning of the transfer window, and he now has a new challenge at hand. The Blues have the option to make his move permanent for €40 million next year. Rodrigo De Paul is the replacement for Saul, since Atletico anticipated his departure beforehand.
Nicolas Ibanez is the only other player to have completed a permanent transfer elsewhere. Lucas Torreira and Moussa Dembele were not signed permanently, and completed their loan spells at the end of the season.
With the arrival of Griezmann, Cunha and De Paul to the club, the defending champions seem to be the favourites to retain their title this year. In addition to the talent already present at the club, such as Luis Suarez, Joao Felix, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Jose Gimenez and Jan Oblak, Diego Simeone’s team now look like one of the top picks to win the Champions League.
They clearly have the edge over a relatively weakened Barcelona and Real Madrid, and are in a perfect position to capitalise and push themselves further than ever.
