With the domestic season finished, Diego Simeone’s side will have to strengthen in order keep up with Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as remain ahead of the new threats of Valencia and recent back-to-back Europa League champions Sevilla.
The conclusion of the 2014-15 La Liga season saw Atléti relinquish the crown to rivals Barcelona, who’s second half of the campaign was unrivalled by all La Liga sides. City rivals Real Madrid, second only by two points, never looked likely of overcoming Barca with their poor run of form in the second half of the season, yet still remained a significant 14 points ahead of Atléti.
The fight for the remaining Champions League spots was down to three sides: Atléti, Valencia and Sevilla. Valencia, experiencing something of a revival with its new takeover, is long from the club that was experiencing serious debt and had to continue selling its star players. With a young and exciting team, it pushed Atléti to the last game of the season for the lucrative third automatic qualifying spot, narrowly missing out by just a point. Sevilla, with European commitments, missed out on top four finish, two points behind Atléti, yet still qualify for Champions League due to the new incentive of winning the Europa League.
Notable victories over top sides Real, both home and away, and Sevilla, were not enough as Atléti’s failure to beat Barcelona and Valencia both home and away, is what separated Atléti from a fight for first and competing against Barcelona and Real rather than for third and fourth. This was perhaps due to two consecutive seasons with long duration in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, and the depth in the squad played a part in Atléti’s inability to match the successful 2013-14 season.
For the following season, to compete stronger against the likes of Barcelona and Real as well as remaining ahead of Valencia and Sevilla, Atléti will have to add quality depth to its squad. Below is the three potential signings who Atléti should consider for the summer.
Jesús Navas
The former Sevilla man has played 35 league games for Manchester City this season, however only averaged 64 minutes per match as he was substituted off 12 times and five times on. Suffering from chronic homesickness, the potential in persuading Navas back to his homeland is a strong possibility, as at the age of 29, he may wish to be closer to family and friends. Navas is a proven La Liga player, having been awarded the best attacking midfielder in the 2009-10 La Liga season along with a list of club honours such as the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Cup, winning each twice.
With a long schedule for Atléti encompassing La Liga and European commitments, having a skilful winger such as Navas who could rotate with Arda Turan will go a long way for the Madrid side. His pace and crosses are deadly, making him the type of player Simeone would love to create chances for key forwards Mario Mandžukić and Raúl García. Brought for a reported £14.9 million by Manchester City in 2013, the cost for Atléti to buy the tricky midfielder would be significantly lower for a man of his talents and credentials.
Pedro Obiang
The Spanish 23-year-old is a former Atléti youth player who left at the age of 16 and is now an integral part of Italian side Sampdoria. The box-to-box midfielder has all the skills and traits that Simeone loves to have in his players: determination, strength, toughness and skill on the ball. With Gabi and Tiago in their thirties and approaching the twilight years of their careers, Simeone must look to the future for his midfield. With Saúl excelling this season and seemingly a future starter, as well as the potential return of Óliver Torres next season, Obiang would be the perfect partner in central midfield for the club.
At the young age of 23 and born in Alcalá de Henares in the community of Madrid, the potential of bringing back the former youth player may now seem like an interesting opportunity for Obiang to be closer to his home and family as well as Atléti itself. His performances for Sampdoria and his development have been noticed by numerous clubs including West Ham United and Stoke City, who are reportedly ready to table £6 million offers for the Spaniard. With the future looking bright for the midfielder, his value will continue to increase over the years.
Fernando Torres
The prodigal son returned to Atléti in January this year in a loan deal with Alessio Cerci going the opposite way to AC Milan. The result was a return to form for the former Spain international with crucial goals against Real Madrid and Barcelona showcasing the lethal instincts have remained intact for Torres. His performance was also well received with fans – he received Mahou’s Five-Star Player of the Month of May due to his goals, commitment and determination that was seen with a sudden new look that has not been seen since his Liverpool days.
[interaction id=”55746ad484caec334b52f910″]
With Mario Mandžukić and leading goalscorer Antoine Griezmann the first preferences of Simeone up front, the manager surprised us all with the rotation he applied. Torres featured at an average of every second game. A total of 19 matches in La Liga, 10 first team and nine substitute appearances is a solid return for a player who joined halfway through the season. His style of play helped free up space for Griezmann and notably cause confusion and mistakes in opposition defences with his improved work ethic. His experience of the league and skills are an invaluable asset, and has demonstrated his desire to put the club ahead of his own ambition. With his current state being only on a loan deal, his performances this season suggest that Torres still has plenty to offer and should be brought by his boyhood club.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
