Starting July 1, Atlético de Madrid will face several financial moves that could reshape its squad and balance sheet. The club expects to receive fixed income from several transfers, including 45 million euros for Matheus Cunha, who is moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers with Hertha Berlin receiving the remaining 10%. There is also a potential 30 million euros for Renan Lodi if Nottingham Forest activates its option, though that outcome seems unlikely. In addition, Atlético could pocket approximately 18 million euros from a pre-agreed option for Yannick Carrasco, should Barcelona fulfill the purchase condition. If Barça completes the payment from July 1, Carrasco would depart, despite competing offers from other clubs. If the payment does not occur, Carrasco could remain with Atlético under the current contract through 2024, or be available for a different move if circumstances permit. The ultimate outcome hinges on Barcelona, and at the moment the Moroccan-Belgian winger’s exit remains uncertain. Time will reveal the final decision.
Cunha, Carrasco, Lodi, and the July financial landscape
With several medical procedures still on the table as of July 1, Atlético Madrid is preparing for multiple scenarios. The most conservative involves Cunha’s departure, leaving a 45 million euro residue to help cover costs after a disappointing Champions League exit and the failure to qualify for Europe. That shortfall could amount to roughly 25 million, a gap Cunha’s transfer proceeds are expected to close. A mid-range scenario anticipates a total inflow of about 63 million euros if both Cunha and Carrasco are acquired outright, creating a meaningful but manageable financial strain for the club. The most optimistic projection envisions a 93 million euro balance on July 1, factoring in Cunha and Carrasco acquisitions and the possibility of Renan Lodi’s transfer to Forest for around 30 million, though that last step remains doubtful at this stage.
The João Félix situation and an alternative transfer approach
Within Atlético’s July plans stands the name that often stirs the market: João Félix. Rumors suggest Chelsea remains interested, yet the English club has not finalized its strategy for the Portuguese forward. Atlético continues to seek around 100 million euros for Félix, while Chelsea contemplates ways to lower the cash demand by offering players or negotiating a different structure. Atlético does not abandon its position, even as the days pass. Some discussions propose a loan arrangement for Félix with Chelsea for next season, allowing the London club to retain the player while Atlético would receive an approximate 18 million euro loan fee and maintain the player’s contract status with the Colchoneros. The arrangement could be appealing for both sides and would echo negotiations historically seen with Álvaro Morata and Juventus.
No discounts: Atlético maintains its price tag
Atlético remains firm on its valuation. Starting July 1, they would deduct about 38 million euros of pending amortization from Félix, which sustains a firm asking price of 100 million euros for Félix to interested clubs like Chelsea. The club has kept their agent, Jorge Mendes, apprised as the market explores several potential destinations. If a buyer emerges, this could provide Atlético with a sturdy financial buffer for the next summer window, enabling reinvestment into the squad while still managing the books sensitively.
Balancing investments and disinvestments
Atlético emphasizes maintaining a steady balance between acquisitions and disposals regardless of how the summer unfolds. During Diego Simeone’s tenure, GOAL’s calculations indicate that the club has invested roughly 1.043 billion euros in transfers, with about 969 million euros recovered through sales. Notable movements include the sale of Antoine Griezmann for about 20 million, a reminder of the club’s recurring strategy: invest, then recoup. From July 1 onward, Cunha’s 45 million euro inflow would help offset obligations while future transfers could push the net position toward a positive outcome. Carrasco, Lodi, and Félix remain the headline names shaping Atlético’s strategic direction, with several scenarios on the table as the club progresses. The organization pursues a careful roadmap, aiming to resolve the outstanding matters in July while preserving fiscal balance and competitive strength for the upcoming season.
Reuben Uria
Source: Goal