Spanish teams, especially Real Madrid and Barcelona, are frequently linked with every major transfer move every six months. This time, Atlético Madrid will surely take a piece of that pie, but their fans may be left without some of their historical players.
The team's transfer business needs to include some of their top players, since three of them could leave on a free deal by the end of the season. One more has already been tempted by Bayern München, which means that up to four players could leave Los Colchoneros in the next month.
The biggest contractual concern for Atlético's supporters is none other than Diego Godín. The center back has been widely praised as one of the best in the business, even if he's 32 years old. The Uruguayan had already reached a verbal agreement to extend his stay at the Wanda Metropolitano, but time is running out for Atlético's execs to put money behind their words. Godín's situation could very well develop in one of the most interesting transfer sagas this winter.
Next up is Juanfran. The former Osasuna right back has become a household name for Los Colchoneros, playing a massive role in the team's recent success in Europe and in the Spanish top flight. At 33, the former Spain international is also out of a contract this summer, and there are some Premier League teams knocking at his door to take advantage of his experience in one of the top leagues in Europe.
Lucas Hernández makes it three defenders that could leave the club, but his case is a bit more complicated. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France could bid farewell to Los Colchoneros this winter, as Bayern München is ready to trigger his $80M buyout clause. Efforts are being made by Atlético's execs to keep the player around, but Die Roten seem determined to add the player to their roster as soon as possible.
Last, but not least, is Filipe Luis. The Brazilian international had a falling out with the team during the summer, since he allegedly requested to leave the club to join PSG. The player's deal with the Spanish side is set to end this summer, but his recent statements and his age (33) are a couple of problems that have to be assessed thoroughly by the club. Needless to say, things don't look good for the Brazilian footballer.
With all those players being that close to the exit door, which of them would you keep around? Only time will tell which ones end up leaving the club, especially if the rumors linking Simeone to an exit turn out to be true.
