Atletico's Five-Man Sale List After Empty Coffers
Having spent close to €90 million on Kang-in Lee, Grimaldo, and Hjulmand, Atletico Madrid's Mateu Alemany is now targeting five players to raise funds for further business.
Empty Coffers, Time to Sell
The official signing of Kang-in Lee marked Atletico Madrid's third addition of the summer, following Grimaldo and Hjulmand. Combined, the three signings reportedly cost close to €90 million, not counting variable bonuses. Now, it's time to sell.
Sporting director Mateu Alemany, navigating his first summer window at the club, is entering the "second phase" of the transfer period. After missing out on initial targets Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella but completing three other signings, he's now working to raise as much money as possible from five players: Almada, Sorloth, Ruggeri, Lemar, and Giménez.
Almada: The Most Likely Departure
Argentine winger Thiago Almada stands out as the player most likely to bring in funds — especially after another intended exit, Lenglet's move to Benfica, brought in no financial return beyond freeing the club from his remaining two-year contract. Almada has reportedly drawn offers from Saudi Arabia and River Plate, but Flamengo appears to be the most likely destination to end his brief spell at the Metropolitano.
Serie A as a Solution: Sorloth and Ruggeri
Sorloth and Ruggeri are highlighted as two players who could significantly boost the club's finances. The Norwegian striker has never quite secured a permanent starting role despite solid numbers, while the Italian defender finds himself squeezed out of the XI following Grimaldo's arrival. Neither is considered essential for the 2026-27 season. Both reportedly have offers from Italy, where they hold good reputations, and could continue their careers there if offers arrive that satisfy both the players and Atletico.
Lemar and Giménez: Wage Relief Over Transfer Fees
For Lemar and Giménez, who have one and two years left on their contracts respectively, the priority isn't a high transfer fee but relief from their wage burden. The Frenchman's high amortization cost and the Uruguayan's significant salary — befitting one of the squad's most senior figures and its third captain — are key factors behind this approach.
Next Step: A Centre-Back and a Striker
These departures would trigger a new phase in the transfer window: reinforcing weakened areas with the funds raised. The defensive axis is one such area — if these sales go through, the squad would be left with just three centre-backs (Pubill, Hancko, and Le Normand). The attack is another, with a replacement needed for Sorloth, who has averaged 20 goals a season.
This article is based on reporting by David G. Medina via Marca.
