Atletico Madrid will sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta as their new starting left back, with Reinildo Mandava set to leave and Javi Galan will probably be degraded to a backup after a series of Underwhelming versions. But the 22-year-old was not the primary target for the position, in which Theo Hernandez and Andy Robertson were considered for him.
Hernandez was the first-choice option of the club, where their interest was founded earlier this month. But after several offers that did not reach Milan's asking price, Atleti took off the race to sign the French international, which is now expected to sign for Al Hilal.
And according to Marca, one of the reasons that Atleti had not to pursue Hernandez was due to the return of the club's supporters.
It must be reminded that Hernandez came from the ranks in Atleti alongside brother Lucas Hernandez. He was in the club until 2017, when he chosen to sign for Real Madrid, with whom he was only two years before Milan dived to sign him.
That episode left a very bad taste in the mouth of Athleti, and especially their fan base. There were negative reactions when it was reported that Los Colchoneros Hernandez had the target for this summer, and for fear more to come if a deal were to be closed, it was decided that it would be best to consider other goals.
Hopefully this was not the only reason that Athleti had. It is likely that the asking price of € 30 million was also a stumbling block, especially since Ruggeri – who is five years younger – is signed for € 10 million less.
Atleti has been busy on the transfer of the transfer last week. In addition to Ruggeri, they are also expected to close deals for Johnny Cardoso and Alex Baena.