Football Espana

Atletico Madrid are open for business this summer, be it arrivals or departures from the Metropolitano. It was reported back in April that very few members of the squad were assured of their spot in the squad, and it seems that remains the case for Conor Gallagher.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder moved for €42m last summer, and arrived to plenty of fanfare, but struggled to lock down a spot in the starting XI. His competition, Samuel Lino, was sold to Flamengo for €24m in July, but with the arrival of Alex Baena, Gallagher’s role on the left of midfield is further in doubt if anything. Gallagher was scarcely used centrally by Diego Simeone, and is expected to be behind Johnny Cardoso and Pablo Barrios in the pecking order.

🚨 BREAKING – Pending Confirmation: Atlético Madrid is looking to sign SEVERAL players before the transfer window closes. The club’s main objective is to bring in a forward, while they are also in need of an additional midfielder and a center-back.@PedroFullanaSER pic.twitter.com/Kn28SUTaPM

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) August 4, 2025

Atletico Madrid still testing market for Gallagher

A source has indicated to Football España that Atletico continue to look for an exit for Gallagher, as they seek to earn back his fee this summer. Atletico have not made a decisive call on the midfielder, but he is not a prominent part of Simeone’s plans, and he has instructed his agent to explore a return to the Premier League. Earlier in the summer, Gallagher was offered to several Premier League clubs.

Tottenham most interested in Gallagher

Gallagher does still have plenty of credit in England, even if nobody has yet made a move for him. Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is a fan of his, and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as a potential destination. Newcastle United had enquired about Gallagher, but have not progressed talks any further.

As things stand, Tottenham Hotspur are the most likely destination for Gallagher. Spurs value his combination of physicality and technical ability, and are thus considering an offer for him. It is not yet clear whether the arrival of Joao Palhinha will affect their interest.

Barcelona continue to make it known in public that they are open to departures this summer, despite their claims that they can register all three of their new signings without any. One of the names that has been floated as a potential exit is midfielder Marc Casado.

The 21-year-old was a surprise revelation last season in the Barcelona side, with injuries taking him from a potential summer exit on loan to a starter against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Within three months of his first start, Casado was in the Spain squad. Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have been credited with interest in Casado, and Sport say he has a €30m price tag.

Tottenham Hotspur enquire about Casado

The Catalan daily go on to say that Tottenham Hotspur have also enquired about a move for Casado this summer, as they look to add a midfield alternative. They are seeking to add one or two holding midfielders this summer, and Barcelona have plenty of options in midfield, with Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado all competing for minutes in the deeper role at Barcelona.

Move unlikely on both ends

However with Spurs bringing in Joao Palhinha from Bayern Munich, their need for more options in the position has been dramatically reduced. At the other end of the equation, Casado is said to be completely focused on earning minutes at Barcelona, and is not listening to any offers to leave the club.

Barcelona's plan with the youth players who are close to the first team. @sport

– Roony Bardghji: will join the first team.

– Dro: will continue to develop at Barça Atlètic while in first team dynamics.

– Dani Rodríguez: could leave on loan.

– Jan Virgili: could leave while…

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 4, 2025

Can Casado get enough minutes in this Barcelona side?

Whether Casado might be forced to reconsider next summer is another matter. As mentioned, four players are competing for his position, while Gavi can play elsewhere in midfield, and Bernal is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury. Earlier on in the season Casado could have more opportunities, but by the end of the season, someone will likely be left with less minutes than they hoped for.

Real Madrid are open to losing forward Rodrygo Goes this summer, but it is not yet clear where his destination will be. The Brazilian has so far maintained that he is happy to remain at the club this summer, but with his role to be reduced next season under Xabi Alonso, he could be on his way out.

While Los Blancos have left the ball in Rodrygo’s court to some degree – they will not negotiate an exit before he does – it has also been made clear that they are open to a move if the right offer comes in. While initially Arsenal were cast as the most interested party, Liverpool now appear to be in pole position.

Tottenham Hotspur show interest in Rodrygo

According to Diario AS, Tottenham Hotspur have joined Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal as the next interested party, albeit Bayern and Arsenal appear to be pursuing different paths first. Spurs have promised new manager Thomas Frank investment and more investment, and Rodrygo could be a part of that. It is not yet clear whether Rodrygo is interested, but Chairman Daniel Levy would try to bring down his €90m asking price.

Liverpool contact Rodrygo camp after Xabi Alonso talk

Atletico Madrid have moved swiftly and with purpose during this transfer market, with two priority additions already over the line in Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri. Johnny Cardoso is expected to complete the trifecta of positional needs for Los Colchoneros, but they do look set to miss out on one of their other priorities.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero had been identified as a ‘dream signing’ for Atletico, with Diego Simeone desperate to add his steel to the backline. Spoken about in similar tones to Julian Alvarez last year, Romero has also made it clear that he would be delighted to play in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid give up on Romero

Spurs have been steadfast on their demands though, and despite ‘Cuti’ Romero refusing to sign a new deal with just two years remaining on his current contract, they were not willing to lower their €70m asking price. No formal offer for Romero has arrived from Atletico, but it is thought that CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin spoke to oppposite number Daniel Levy about Romero.

As per Diario AS, Atletico have decided to shift their attentions elsewhere, and are now looking at other targets. Tottenham have been adamant that they will not sell Romero, and despite Los Colchoneros insistence, they have been met with a brick wall. In London, it will be seen as a victory for Spurs.

🚨🇦🇷 JUST IN: Rodrigo De Paul's move to Inter Miami exclusively depends on Leo Messi's contract renewal with the team.

[🎖️: @gastonedul via @AlbicelesteTalk] pic.twitter.com/NxmBmUGNPd

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 9, 2025

Alternatives for Atletico Madrid?

Atletico Madrid have already finalised two summer signings, but there are plans for more players to join Diego Simeone’s squad for the 2025-26 season. Alex Baena and Matteo Ruggeri have arrived for a combined price of €75m, and there is a desire for Cristian Romero to be brought in, but he would cost in the region of this figure.

Romero is Atleti’s leading target for the centre-back position, and he has been for several weeks. Talks are planned with Tottenham Hotspur, but the Premier League are very unwilling to sell their star defender – and having won last season’s Europa League, they are under no immediate pressure to sanction a sale.

Tottenham Hotspur want €70m for Cristian Romero deal

And that has been reflected in their stance, with CaughtOffside reporting that Spurs would only sell Romero if they received an offer in the region of €70m, which is a valuation that Atleti deems to be excessive.

Romero has previously revealed his desire to play in La Liga, and this is an advantage that Atleti have in their pursuit. And another could be his contract situation, with reports from Argentina -as covered by Diario AS – revealing that the 27-year-old has turned down the offer of a new deal from Spurs.

Had he signed, Romero would have been Spurs’ highest-paid player, but as per the report, he has turned it down because he wants to leave in order to start a new chapter in his career.

Romero arrival would be statement of intent from Atleti

Deals for Baena, Ruggeri and the impending one for Johnny Cardoso are all excellent pieces of business that Atleti have done, but the possible arrival of Romero would undoubtedly elevate Los Colchoneros to serious La Liga title challengers alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is no surprise that they are pursuing his signature, but for now, it remains to be seen whether they are successful.

Atletico Madrid are determined to sign a new defensive midfielder, and in the coming weeks, they have a good chance of landing their primary target.

It is no secret that Atleti have been keen to sign a pivot for over 12 months. Diego Simeone wants a new option to compete with Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul and club captain Koke Resurreccion, and in recent weeks, Johnny Cardoso has been established as the main transfer target.

Personal terms have already been agreed with Cardoso, who is prioritising a move to Atleti despite Real Betis having a pre-existing agreement in place with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. And soon, a deal could be closed between the two La Liga clubs.

Atletico Madrid and Real Betis set for Johnny Cardoso talks

As reported by Diario AS, Atleti and Betis officials will meet next week, and the intention is for an agreement to be reached. There is a €10m difference in valuation at this time, but the two clubs are expected to come to a compromise during these upcoming negotiations.

Betis want €40m for Cardoso, who was signed for €6m 18 months ago. Atleti have no intention of paying that much, but there is a belief that Los Verdiblancos will bring down their asking price.

Cardoso has been a standout performer for Betis since arriving in January 2024, and there is no doubt that he would be an excellent signing for Atleti. Los Colchoneros are currently focused on the Club World Cup, but with a group stage exit looking like a realistic possibility ahead of the final round of fixtures on Monday, there could be more focused place on these upcoming negotiations for the United States international.

It remains to be seen whether Atleti can agree a deal to sign Cardoso, who is certainly needed at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano for next season and beyond.

Atletico Madrid have been on the hunt for a new sitting midfielder for some time, and after the fleeting Arthur Vermeeren experiment, are back to the drawing board. It appeared they had found their man in the shape of Real Betis’ and USMNT star Johnny Cardoso, but talks for the 23-year-old have slowed.

Cardoso is seemingly keen on a move, and has agreed in principle to a deal with Los Rojiblancos on personal terms. Tottenham Hotspur were also keen on a move for Cardoso, and have a €25m buy clause on him, but so far Cardoso has not shown a willingness to move to London. As things stand, he is prioritising Atletico.

🚨 OFFICIAL: IFAB’s full statement in reference to Julián Álvarez’s penalty injustice.

“The penalty should be retaken.” pic.twitter.com/S37pLu2bT2

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) June 3, 2025

Atletico Madrid unwilling to meet asking price

However Atletico have run into some roadblocks of their own. Los Colchoneros felt they could get a deal done for Cardoso for somewhere around the €25m mark that Spurs would have to pay in the event they executed that clause. Yet Cadena Cope (via Santiago Narvaez) have explained that talks are more complicated than that.

🟢🚨 Última hora #RealBetis.

👉 Informa @COPE que el Atlético NO está dispuesto a pagar los 40M€ que pide el Betis por Cardoso -como ya informamos días atrás-.

🔎 El equipo madrileño estaría buscando 𝐨𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 en el mercado.

✍️ Mi información es que Cardoso… pic.twitter.com/d0gOU3PxcR

— Santiago Narváez 🎙️ (@SantiagNarvaez) June 3, 2025

Betis are demanding €40m from Atletico for Cardoso, and as such, the Madrid-based side have begun to look at alternatives in the market. It is not ruled out that a content Cardoso remains at Betis next season either.

Value for money with Cardoso?

It is not yet clear what the other alternatives are for Atletico, but at Cardoso’s age and in his position, there is not a wealth of options, even if they do feel the price is disproportionate. Previously they had been most strongly linked with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who is out of contract, the previous midfielder they had that filled the position before Koke Resurreccion was moved into the role. That talk has cooled though, and it is not clear where his future lies.

Atletico Madrid are in the market for a new defensive midfielder, and they are closing in on a deal for one of their top targets during this summer’s transfer window.

It is no secret that Atleti head coach Diego Simeone has been desperate for a pivot to be signed for some time now. Los Colchoneros failed to sign one last summer, but 12 months on, Cholo’s wishes are about to be granted.

In recent weeks, it has been reported that Atleti have established Real Betis’ Johnny Cardoso as a priority target for the summer, and they are now closing in on a deal to bring him to the RiyadhAir Metropolitano.

Tottenham Hotspur have a special clause that allows them to sign Cardoso for a reduced price, but according to Marca (via CaughtOffside), the USA international would much rather join Atleti this summer. And the report has also stated that personal terms are close to being agreed between player and club.

And club-to-club talks are also believed to be underway following the end of Betis’ season, which concluded with their 4-1 UEFA Conference League final defeat to Chelsea on Wednesdy. According to GiveMeSport, Spurs have started to accept that they will not sign Johnny, who is expected to cost Atleti in the region of €30m.

💣🚨 BREAKING – CONFIRMED: Atletico Madrid are leading the race to sign Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.

– Nothing totally agreed yet, but talks between clubs continue

– Fee likely to be around €30m

– Spurs feel he prefers to stay in La Liga

[🎖️: @JacobsBen & @tombogert] pic.twitter.com/3yzpyLoWYg

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) May 29, 2025

There is no doubt that Cardoso would be a top signing for Atleti. He has impressed since joining Betis from Internacional in January 2024, and at 23, he is more than capable of continuing to improve over the coming years.

The prospect of a midfield pairing of Pablo Barrios and Cardoso, with Rodrigo De Paul, Koke Resurreccion and Marcos Llorente as backup options, is a very appealing thought for Atleti, who will hope to have a deal wrapped up in the coming weeks. And one it is done, they can move on other targets, such as Alex Baena and Cristian Romero.

Atletico Madrid intend to open talks with Tottenham Hotspur for their star defender Cristian Romero, who played a key role in ending their trophy drought against Manchester United in the Europa League. Los Colchoneros are keen to bring Romero in before the Club World Cup.

As such, they intend to open talks with Spurs, and it may well be this week, say Sky Sports. Given the improvised transfer window will close on the 10th of June, they have 13 days to get a deal done if they do want him available for their trip to the United States. It is not yet clear whether Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy is open to having those conversations.

Tottenham value Romero at €70m

Atletico have identified Romero as one of their top targets, and after opening talks with Villarreal for Alex Baena, will move for the Argentina internaitonal. CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin is expected to take charge of the negotiations for Atletico.

One of the stumbling blocks may be the price. Tottenham value Romero at more than €60m report the British outlet, while Atletico are hoping to pay around €45m for the 27-year-old. That said, some reports claim that Spurs will ask for around €70m.

Romero and Postecoglou view on move

Romero has recently expressed a desire to play in Spain, which many took as a hint he was open to a move to Atletico. However manager Ange Postecoglou recently stated publicly that he wanted to retain Romero.

🚨🇪🇸 Alejandro Iturbe will not continue next season with Atleti B.

The club, his camp, and the player all agree that the time has come to make the leap, with La Liga 2 being the preferred destination.

He has a contract until 2027.

[🎖️: @jsancris_, @AtleticoSportes] pic.twitter.com/obMVdF3nko

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) May 28, 2025

“Yes, we have to make sure players like him stay. If he leaves, who do you replace him with? There aren’t many like him. It will be very important for the club to try to keep him, and do so for the long term,” Postecoglou said, as quoted by Diario AS.

Atletico Madrid investing big again this summer

With the potential signings of Romero and Baena, it would represent a second consecutive summer of big spending for Los Colchoneros. Last time round they spent €34.5m on Spain international Robin Le Normand, and their total investment was close to €200m, including the additions of Conor Gallagher, Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez.

Girona appear to have made a decision on whether to sign Oriol Romeu and Bryan Gil, who are on loan from Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, on a permanent basis ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Both players arrived last summer on loans, but they each had a buy option included in the agreed deals. In regards to Bryan, his clause was valued at €15m, and earlier this year, it was reported that Girona were seriously considering activating this at the end of the season. But as it turns out, they have decided not to do so.

And the same can be said too for Romeu, who returned to Girona last summer just 12 months on from leaving the Catalans for Barcelona. He struggled back at Montilivi, failing to become a regular starter for head coach Michel Sanchez.

Girona confirm four loanees have returned to parent clubs

On Tuesday, Girona confirmed that Bryan and Romeu would be returning to Spurs and Barcelona respectively, alongside other loanees Arthur Melo and Arnaut Danjuma, who have gone back to Fiorentina and Villarreal.

📌 Oriol Romeu, Bryan Gil, Arnaut Danjuma i Arthur Melo tornen als seus clubs d'origen

El Club vol expressar-los el seu agraïment i desitjar-los molta sort en el futur.

👏 Gràcies Oriol, Bryan, Arnaut i Arthur!

— Girona FC (@GironaFC) May 27, 2025

There is still a chance for Bryan and Romeu to re-join Girona

However, this announcement does not necessarily mean that Bryan or Romeu will not return to Girona later in the summer. In regards to the latter, he is out of contract at Barcelona, and with no plans for a new deal to be offered, he will become a free agent at the start of July.

Tottenham are also looking to sell Bryan, and the likelihood is that they would offer lower than the €15m buy clause that Girona had, which means that there is chances for the Catalans to return to the bidding.

It will be interesting to see how Girona go about their business this summer. Their disappointing 16th place finish in La Liga could mean that there is less money to spend on deals during the upcoming transfer window.