Atlético de Madrid's January transfer plans and priorities

The winter transfer window opens on 1 January 2026. Until then, Mateu Alemany, Atlético de Madrid's director of professional football, has time to map out potential arrivals and departures.

As 'El Club Uría' has already reported, Atlético de Madrid's sporting management and coaching staff agree that the priority is finding a player who can operate as a left-back and/or left-sided centre-back. The profile would provide cover for Alejandro Grimaldo and occasionally give David Hancko a rest. The club is weighing up various names and profiles on a shortlist of left-footed full-backs and centre-backs.

The Tagliafico option. On the final day of the summer window, the deal to sign Nicolás Tagliafico collapsed. However, the Argentine has not been entirely ruled out for the winter window, and a move for him could be considered. Tagliafico is 34, his contract expires on 30 June and Olympique Lyon would not stand in the way of a possible exit. Another name in the frame is Villarreal's Sergi Cardona, as reported by the newspaper 'Marca'.

Watch out for Robin Le Normand. Neither the club nor the coaching staff are satisfied with the Spain international centre-back's performances. He arrived for a significant fee and, although his conduct on and off the pitch has been exemplary, he is not living up to the expectations he raised in his early days at the Atlético. If a good offer arrives for Le Normand, Atlético de Madrid will be willing to listen.

Obed Vargas, Arnau Ortiz and Rodrigo Mendoza. The Mexican is the number one candidate to leave in the winter window. The club will look for a loan so he can get playing time. In Arnau's case, a loan exit is also on the table, as he is barely getting minutes with the first team. If Obed and Arnau were to leave, the club would explore the possibility of bringing in another midfielder. As for Rodrigo Mendoza, his departure looks less likely. As was mentioned on 'El Club Uría', although he is not playing much, Mendoza does not want to go out on loan because he is convinced that, sooner or later, he will end up playing.

Doubts over Alexander Sorloth. Although it looked as if he would be sold in the summer, the Norwegian stayed at Atlético de Madrid, but his situation now raises plenty of questions. Julián is keeping him out of the starting XI and Jonathan David has eaten into his playing time. He has yet to score this season. He is in demand in Italy (Juventus are interested) and in Turkey, and Atlético would consider letting him go if an offer of around €25-30 million arrives. Should the Norwegian leave, the Atleti would consider bringing in another striker.