With strong transfers from top clubs planned for the upcoming summer but the possibility of transfer ban similar to that enforced upon Barcelona a risk, Atlético Madrid must look to keep both Koke and Antoine Griezmann to continue the progress being made.
In a week that has included more news for the club behind the scenes then from their recent performance against Athletic Club Bilbao and upcoming game with Levante UD, Atlético Madrid received some positives news in the form of current youngster Saúl, having extending his contract until the summer of 2020.
Saul commented about extending his contract, stating, “I’ve worked to try to achieve a renewal and be here for many years. My intention is to stay here and that can be seen in my renewal”.
“My hope is to play as many games as possible and be with Atléti for many years to come”.
For Atléti, the news of the youngster extending his contract, who has been watched by numerous opposition teams and has scored four goals in 32 games, comes at a great time for Diego Simeone. The Spain under-21 star has proven to be a future first-team regular for Atléti and with the likes of Gabi and Tiago in their early thirties, the future could be nearing soon for Saúl, as 32 games suggests the transition perhaps is beginning in the manager’s eyes.
More importantly, with the recent news of a possibility of FIFA sanctioning a similar ban received by Barcelona relating to breaking rules with signings of under-age players, Atléti, along with local rivals Real Madrid, could face a two transfer window shutout. Whilst both clubs have come out and said no rule breaking was done on their behalf, Atléti must not take any chances and the importance of maintaining the squad is crucial.
With Saúl taken care of so to speak, Atléti must turn their attentions to two key players who have raised significant rumours of being targeted by the likes of English giants Chelsea and Manchester United.
Creative maestro and Spanish international, Koke has been targeted by top clubs since emerging as a starter for Atléti, with the likes of Barcelona eagerly wanting him to partner international team mates Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets, in what would have been a midfield that could of terrified the best with their vision, passing and creativity.
Whilst Koke decided to stay put at that time, it was rewarded by winning La Liga last season. This time though, with only the Supercopa de España to Atléti’s cabinet this season, coupled with the resurgence of Barcelona and to some degree Real, the likes of Chelsea have rumoured to be interested in preying the Spanish international away.
Koke has shown to be a loyal Rojiblancos, being with the Club since he was six and coming through the academy, similar to the younger Saúl. More importantly, Koke has become a fan favourite, a player the fans see best resembling the Atléti spirit, commitment and drive. A future with Simeone has great potential, as he seems the natural heir to current captain Gabi.
It seems for Atléti a much easier task in keeping Koke,, however, Chelsea is not only targeting one of Atléti’s key players. Both Chelsea and Manchester United have expressed an interest in French international, Antoine Griezmann.
Currently in his first season in Madrid, Griezmann has been instrumental in front of goal. With only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi having scored more this campaign, Griezmann has delivered more for Atléti than previous key forward, Diego Costa who left for Chelsea.
With the rumours of the London giants offering back Filipe Luís and cash, there is no incentives for Atléti for this deal. With Luís’ replacements Guilherme Siqueira and Jesús Gámez adapting and succeeding under Simeone’s wing, Atléti will be losing a young 20 plus goal scorer which will be hard to replace.
It remains to be seen if the Frenchman would be interested in joining either one of the English giants and with a rumored release clause in his contract, the possibility of Atléti being powerless looms.
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If the transfer ban were to occur sanctioned from FIFA, the importance of maintaining the squad is vital if the vision and progress of the Club were to remain on track. Both Koke and Griezmann have been instrumental to Atleti’ season, and more importantly both are young and could feature for the team for many years to come. If both or even one were to leave the damage could be costly for Atléti, especially with the emerging Valencia and Sevilla posing as a real threat for Champions League qualification.
As the season is coming to a close, the focus for Atléti must be in securing third place and automatic qualification into next season’s Champions League. With Valencia now four points away and three games to go, including a home game against in form Barcelona, Atléti face a tough test in the fight for third. However, a win against Levante this weekend and a loss for Valencia against Real would open a seven point gap with two games to go thus securing third place.
Once third place is achieved, the importance is shifted in retaining the squad and particularly Koke and Griezmann, as the loss of these two players could jeopardise all of Atléti’s progress made under Simeone.
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