Departures and the January Window
After a challenging start to the 2022-23 season, Atlético Madrid faces a pivotal January window. The club aims to correct a budget imbalance that has tightened their spending power over the summer, and the pause in domestic competition provides a chance to recalibrate. Several players could depart to free up funds, while strategic signings would aim to shore up the squad where results have fallen short and to prevent further fiscal drifts that could impact the club’s year-end outlook. This context helps explain why the January market is viewed as a critical inflection point for Atlético and its supporters. (attribution: Marca)
The club needs a significant financial lift, with estimates suggesting a €50-60 million gap to bridge in the short term. A combination of selling players and negotiating favorable terms on potential reinforcements is the plan as the window opens. The aim is to balance the accounts while maintaining squad strength for the second half of the season. (attribution: ESPN)
Atlético has already begun weighing the sale of a large portion of its roster, seeking to keep core figures like Oblak, Griezmann, Koke, and Reinildo on the books if offers align with the club’s financial thresholds. The strategy appears to hinge on natural exits and deals that meet the club’s economic criteria, with close coordination from representative Jorge Mendes and the club’s leadership. (attribution: Sky Sports)
Departures: Cunha, Felipe, Joao, World Cup…
Matheus Cunha’s exit is viewed as a natural development for a 23-year-old with forward vision. His market interest has included conversations with Arsenal, Newcastle, and Liverpool during prior windows, and current reports indicate Wolves may be pursuing a contract for the striker. The likelihood of Cunha moving is tied to a broader plan to balance the wage bill and reinvest in the squad. (attribution: BBC Sport)
Brazilian forward Felipe is another candidate to depart, with Premier League clubs reportedly weighing offers. While Cunha’s sale would contribute a portion of the needed funds, Felipe’s potential exit would still leave a shortfall to reach the budget goal for January. The club calculates a potential 30 million euros from Cunha, with narrower margins on Felipe’s sale. Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul, and Rodrigo Correa are among others whose performances have increased their market value and attracted attention from interested teams. (attribution: Reuters)
Joao Félix’s situation remains dynamic. The Portuguese forward arrived in a manner that reinforced the squad, and the leadership under coach Diego Simeone has signaled openness to selling if a suitable return arrives. Chelsea has shown intermittent interest since the new ownership group took charge in England, while Paris Saint-Germain has also been floated as a possible destination. The market remains unsettled, and Atlético will weigh every option against the bigger objective of stabilizing the balance sheet. (attribution: AP News)
Strengthening the Defense
As the club pursues financial flexibility, the emphasis shifts to fortifying the defense. The profile sought is a reliable, cost-efficient defender who can contribute immediately. Simeone has targeted options like Leicester City’s Çağlar Söyüncü, who would come at a modest cost and become free at season’s end, around mid-year. A potential price tag around 12 million euros is being considered, with timing aligned to available funds. (attribution: The Independent)
Other names that have drawn attention include Josip Juranović from Celtic, a Croatian option with versatility, and Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina, who has drawn interest after a standout World Cup. Atlético must navigate the market with care, ensuring any acquisition fits the club’s immediate needs and long-term salary structure. (attribution: Guardian)
Overall, the January window is framed as a balance between generating liquidity and maintaining competitive integrity. The club’s leadership understands the need to be prudent yet proactive, to avoid long-term constraints while positioning the squad for a strong second half of the season. The discussions hinge on strategic exits, potential reinforcements, and a careful calibration of the wage bill to sustain financial health. (attribution: Reuters)