Atletico Madrid’s hunt : 3 La Liga right-backs on Simeone’s wishlist for defensive reinforcement

As Atletico Madrid gears up for the next season, Diego Simeone’s focus has narrowed on reinforcing the right-back position. With Nahuel Molina firmly established as the first-choice option, the club is actively seeking a competitive alternative to bolster their defensive lineup. This strategic move aims to enhance tactical flexibility and potentially free up Marcos Llorente for midfield duties.

In Short

Simeone’s tactical vision and the need for defensive depth

Diego Simeone, renowned for his meticulous approach to team building, has identified the right-back position as a key area for improvement. The Argentine tactician’s strategy revolves around creating a squad with depth and versatility, capable of adapting to various tactical setups throughout the demanding La Liga season.

Atletico’s current roster boasts Nahuel Molina as the primary right-back, but the lack of a natural backup has prompted the club to explore the market. This search is not merely about finding a substitute; it’s about discovering a player who can challenge Molina for the starting spot and provide Simeone with tactical alternatives.

The importance of this position in modern football cannot be overstated. Right-backs are expected to contribute both defensively and offensively, often serving as key outlets in transitional play. Simeone’s system demands players who can seamlessly switch between defensive solidity and attacking prowess, making the search for the right candidate all the more crucial.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, Atletico Madrid’s scouting network has been working tirelessly to identify potential targets. Their focus has primarily been on La Liga, where three promising right-backs have caught the eye of the Rojiblancos’ recruitment team.

La Liga’s rising stars: the shortlist for Atletico’s defensive reinforcement

Among the candidates being considered, three names stand out: Jon Aramburu from Real Sociedad, Jesús Areso of Osasuna, and Andrei Ratiu from Rayo Vallecano. Each player brings a unique set of skills and potential to the table, aligning with Atletico’s ambitions and Simeone’s tactical requirements.

Jon Aramburu, at 22, represents the youngest and perhaps most exciting prospect on the list. The Real Sociedad academy graduate has been turning heads with his performances, showcasing versatility that allows him to operate both as a traditional right-back and in more advanced positions. This flexibility could prove invaluable to Simeone’s tactical plans, offering options similar to how Real Madrid utilizes its fullbacks in key matchups. However, Aramburu’s contract situation presents a significant hurdle, with a release clause set at a hefty €60 million and a contract extending until 2030.

Jesús Areso, the 25-year-old Osasuna stalwart, offers a more experienced option. Having cemented his place in Jagoba Arrasate’s side, Areso has demonstrated the consistency and reliability that Atletico craves. His contract runs until 2026, potentially making negotiations more manageable compared to Aramburu. However, interest from Athletic Club could complicate matters, potentially sparking a bidding war for the Navarrese defender.

Andrei Ratiu, 26, emerges as the most seasoned option among the trio. The Rayo Vallecano right-back has been a regular fixture in La Liga, impressing with his attacking contributions and defensive solidity. With a contract until 2028 and a market value hovering around €20 million, Ratiu represents a balance between immediate impact and financial feasibility for Atletico.

Financial considerations and market dynamics

As Atletico Madrid navigates the transfer market, financial considerations play a pivotal role in their decision-making process. The club’s management must balance the desire for top-tier talent with the realities of their budget and Financial Fair Play regulations. This delicate balancing act involves not only transfer fees but also wage structures and potential sell-on values.

The varying contract situations of the targets add another layer of complexity to Atletico’s pursuit. Aramburu’s long-term contract and high release clause present a significant financial obstacle, potentially pushing the club towards more attainable options. Areso and Ratiu, with their shorter contracts and lower valuations, might offer more financially viable paths to strengthening the right-back position.

Historical data suggests that Atletico Madrid has been judicious in their transfer spending, especially for defensive reinforcements. In the 2022-23 season, the club invested approximately €20 million in Nahuel Molina, indicating their willingness to spend substantially on the right position. This precedent could inform their approach to the current market, setting a benchmark for potential expenditures.

Moreover, the club must consider the broader market dynamics. With other European clubs potentially vying for similar profiles, Atletico may need to act decisively to secure their preferred target. The interest from Athletic Club in Areso, for instance, underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market and the need for strategic negotiation.

Strategic implications for Atletico’s squad dynamics

The acquisition of a new right-back extends beyond mere defensive reinforcement; it has far-reaching implications for Atletico Madrid’s overall squad dynamics. Simeone’s tactical flexibility could be significantly enhanced, allowing for more varied formations and in-game adjustments. This adaptability is crucial in navigating the challenges of La Liga and European competitions.

One of the primary benefits of securing a competent right-back alternative is the potential to reposition Marcos Llorente. The versatile Spaniard has often been deployed as a makeshift right-back, but his natural midfield abilities could be better utilized in central areas. This tactical shift could revitalize Atletico’s midfield dynamics, offering more creativity and energy in crucial areas of the pitch.

Furthermore, healthy competition for the right-back position could elevate the performance levels of both the new signing and Nahuel Molina. This internal rivalry often leads to improved individual performances and, by extension, enhances the team’s overall defensive solidity. In the 2023-24 season, Atletico Madrid conceded 37 goals in La Liga, ranking them fourth in defensive performance. The addition of a quality right-back could potentially improve this statistic, pushing them closer to the league’s best defensive records.

As Atletico Madrid weighs its options, the decision will likely hinge on a combination of factors including immediate impact, long-term potential, financial viability, and tactical fit. The chosen player will not only need to adapt to Simeone’s demanding system but also contribute to the club’s ambitions of challenging for domestic and European honors. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, Atletico’s pursuit of defensive reinforcement promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming transfer window.