Atletico Madrid would like to sign a new defensive midfielder and a shortlist has begun to be put together by the club's sports department. At this stage there are a few names closer to home that appear in their mind.
The expected departure of Thomas Lemar at a certain moment in 2024, in combination with Koke Resurreccion that does not get younger, means that Athleti must add a new player to their midfield options. They are linked to Mallorca's Portuguese Pivot Samu Costa, and now a La Liga star has appeared on their radar again.
As reported by El Desmarque (via ED), Athleti has registered their interest in Dario Essugo, who is currently on loan in Las Palmas from Sporting CP. The 19-year-old is impressed during his time in football, and a switch to a top club seems to be on the cards rather instead of later.
It is not only Athleti who are after Essugo, because real Sociedad also regards him as a possible replacement for Martin Zubimendi, who seems to be moving to Arsenal at the end of the season. They would bring in € 60 million of that deal, so the money would be to move for the teenager.
It could be a very interesting transfer battle between Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, both clubs can act on their interest in Essugo. For Los Colchoneros it can be an expensive summer again, because they also prepare an attack for top goal Alex Baena, who at the end of the season seems more and more likely to leave Boyhood Club Villarreal.