- Five players have already left Atletico Madrid this summer and more are expected to follow
- Lille’s Mathias Fernandez-Pardo has emerged as a top attacking target after Correa’s departure
- Atletico are also monitoring Botafogo talent Thiago Almada as a possible replacement for Rodrigo De Paul
Key Takeaways:
Diego Simeone is searching for a new striker for Atletico Madrid ahead of the new season. After a disappointing performance at the Club World Cup this summer, the Argentine coach is planning major changes to the squad, with five players already departing the club. Reinildo Mandava, Axel Witsel, and Cesar Azpilicueta all left after their contracts expired, while midfielder Rodrigo Riquelme joined Betis. Angel Correa completed his long-awaited move to Mexican side Tigres, ending his 11-year stay at Atletico.
🚨🇦🇷 JUST IN: Talks between Inter Miami and Atlético Madrid for Rodrigo De Paul are advancing to the final stages!
An agreement is close between. De Paul is getting closer to Inter Miami.
[🎖️: @FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/jsa1LpwTwa
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 12, 2025
So far, the new additions include Alex Baena from Villarreal and Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta. Simeone is aware of the need to find a replacement for Correa to boost his attacking options. One of the key targets is Lille forward Mathias Fernandez-Pardo. The Belgian-born star joined the French side last summer after three seasons with Gent, and according to AS, Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring his progress. Scouts from the Spanish club have been observing him since early 2025, and interest has also come from other clubs, including Villarreal.
The 20-year-old is open to moving to Spain, especially after switching international allegiance earlier this year from Belgium to Spain. U21 coach Santi Denia wanted to call him up for last month’s U21 European Championship, but Lille opposed the move.
Fernandez-Pardo, often compared to Eden Hazard, has a contract until 2029, giving Lille a strong position in any negotiations. He recorded four goals and three assists last season.
At the same time, Atletico Madrid’s board have made an enquiry for Botafogo’s rising talent Thiago Almada, according to reports in Spain. The Argentine attacking midfielder, who can also operate as a winger, is considered one of the most promising young players attracting attention from European clubs. With Atletico close to finalising the departure of World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul, Almada is seen as a possible replacement with more attacking qualities.