Atletico Madrid is forced to change their plans, with Central Defender and 'Dream Signing' Cristian Romero no longer on the table. However, there are a number of options on their shortlist, including two names that were strongly linked to Los Colchoneros last summer.
Romero has made it clear that he would be interested in a move to Los Rojiblancos, but Tottenham Hotspur has made it transparent that they are not interested in selling him. Because Atletico is not willing to pay the asking price of € 70 million, they have changed their attention elsewhere.
Feyenoord and Slovakia -defender David Hancko was heavily connected to Atletico Madrid in 2024, and they opened negotiations for him at one point, but could not reach a deal. Diario as saying that he was loved by Diego Simeone and on the agenda – Juventus and Saudi -Arabia have also shown interest, but the first have just signed Pierre Kalulu.
Another well -known name for Atletico fans is Piero Hincapie by Bayer Leverkusen. They were also interested in him last summer, but the requirements of Leverkusen € 40 million were considered too much. Hincapie would like to have a movement.
Another name coupled to Los Rojiblancos is Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, who has no contract in 2026, and could possibly be available against a cut-prize allowance. Atletico also has positive reconnaissance reports about Nottingham Forest -defender Murillo.
Cadena Ser, however, reports that the most likely player to arrive is still unknown. Their sources say that the best fit, and the most affordable in terms of price, still has to be revealed to the press, and Atletico tries to keep their name under wraps. The arrival of Atalanta left back Matteo Ruggeri was held a deal in a similar way.