Atlético Madrid’s Pursuit of Renato Veiga
In a significant move in this summer’s transfer window, Atlético Madrid is set to engage in discussions with Chelsea to potentially finalize the acquisition of Renato Veiga, a promising center-back. Sources indicate that these talks are expected to occur within the next few hours as Atlético aims to bolster their defensive lineup. This follows their recent acquisition of Marc Pubill from Almería, which enhanced their right-back position.
Financial Negotiations
Currently, there remains a considerable gap between the two clubs’ financial expectations; Chelsea is reportedly holding out for a fee between £40 million and £45 million ($54 million to $60 million) for Veiga. However, both parties are anticipated to utilize this meeting to narrow their differences regarding the player’s valuation. The rapport between Atlético and Chelsea is described as healthy, which fuels optimism about reaching a satisfactory agreement.
Strategic Addition to the Squad
Diego Simeone’s management views Veiga as a strategic addition, citing his youth at only 21 years old and his adaptability across several positions, including left-back, defensive midfielder, and center-back. Chelsea had initially acquired Veiga for €14 million but opted to loan him to Juventus after it became clear he was not part of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Broader Team Strategy
The potential arrival of Veiga aligns with Atlético’s broader strategy of refreshing their roster this summer. Alongside Veiga, Atlético has already secured the signings of players like Matteo Ruggeri, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, and the latest recruit Pubill. In the deal for Pubill, Atlético is set to pay Almería €16 million plus an additional €4 million in performance-related bonuses, outbidding interest from clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan who were keen on the Spain U21 international.
Outgoing Transfers
On the flip side, it has been confirmed that Atlético Madrid has reached an agreement with Inter Miami for the transfer of Rodrigo de Paul. The deal, valued at £15 million, will see him embark on a four-year contract with the MLS side, which has connections to David Beckham. This transaction allows de Paul to realize his ambition of playing alongside Lionel Messi.
As Atlético continues to reshape their team, any subsequent transfer decisions may hinge on potential outgoing players, with Samuel Lino’s future under scrutiny as he has attracted significant interest from other clubs. Although he plays a vital role under Simeone, a lucrative offer could pave the way for his departure.
