Atlético de Madrid are open to selling Álex Baena and Thiago Almada this summer because they have not performed at the expected level.
Atlético de Madrid have officially put two of their newest signings from the summer transfer window up for sale. Both Thiago Almada and Álex Baena are on their way out due to widespread dissatisfaction with their performances.
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Diego Pablo Simeone does not hide his disappointment at the lack of impact that both players have had in the competitive part of the current league season.
Atlético de Madrid’s sales plans after disappointment
The Madrid club needs to generate quick revenue to carry out a deep restructuring that will allow the arrival of an internationally renowned centre-back this year. The club’s absolute priority is to renew the core and find a successor with full guarantees for Griezmann’s role.
Álex Baena, who arrived in the capital from Villarreal for €42 million, has struggled to adapt to the tactical discipline. At 24, the talented midfielder has only managed two goals and two assists in the 31 official games he has played so far.
Despite these modest figures, the Spanish international’s value remains high in foreign markets, especially in the Premier League, which always keeps a close eye on his skills. Atlético de Madrid aims to receive around 60 million euros for a final sale in June.
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Market opportunities for Thiago Almada and Álex Baena
Meanwhile, the situation of the Argentine midfielder is just as complex after his arrival from Brazilian football for an initial amount of 21 million. Thiago Almada has failed to convince the coaching staff, and has had a supporting role with four goals in 28 games, most of which have been as substitutes.
The board expects to raise around 50 million euros for the young world champion, although they are aware that they may have to accept a slightly lower bid. There is varied interest in the attacking midfielder, with serious suitors in Italy’s Serie A, Brasileirão, and several well-budgeted British teams.
The club will soon have to meet outstanding payments for the player, which increases the need to find a buyer before the financial year ends. The goal is to avoid financial losses and generate profits to finance the arrival of a striker with the much-needed goalscoring flair.
Tactical and economic restructuring
If both sales are completed, the team will have the labor cost flexibility and crucial liquidity to enter the market with real opportunities for success. The departure of these two key players will mark the beginning of a hectic summer where defensive strength will once again be the main focus.
Atlético de Madrid understands that the era of patience for certain signings is over, prioritising immediate competitiveness over long-term potential. Supporters hope that this move will help better support the star players and once again fight for all major titles.
Simeone is looking for profiles that fit better with his philosophy of effort and sacrifice, something neither the Argentine nor the Spaniard have fully shown. The summer transfer window will decide the fate of a sporting plan that desperately needs a change to bring back the enthusiasm among the supporters of the red-and-white team.
