Atlético Madrid have this week failed to add to their six new summer signings, but there has still been plenty of movement around the Estadio Metropolitano.
Player exits have dominated proceedings, and the new boys on the block were officially presented in front of the media.
Johnny Cardo5o ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NjKAT07tNl
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 30, 2025
As well as hearing them each say how joining Atleti has been "a lifelong dream" (as every footballer in the world now seems to do), we were also shown what numbers they'll be wearing
on the back of their shirts this season.
Monday saw Álex Baena presented with the #10; Tuesday had Thiago Almada holding up the #11. On Wednesday, Matteo Ruggeri was unveiled as the new #3, while Johnny Cardoso was given the #5. Finally, David Hancko and Marc Pubill were given the number #17 and #18 shirts respectively on Thursday.
Here is Into the Calderón's weekly transfer debrief, which will explain what has caused some of those numbers to be handed out.
Millot taking time
By all accounts, Enzo Millot has already agreed personal terms with Atleti. However, we are being made to wait for a deal to be struck with Stuttgart, as various explanations float around the rumour mill in this slow news period.
Some say there have been complications with the signing of Millot's replacement, leaving Stuttgart wary of letting him go too abruptly. Others suggest that Atlético are looking for a way to spread out the costs of signing him by paying more than his release clause. This would help avoid having to pay a lump sum upfront.
Esto ha dicho @SeguidorVfB (seguidor del @VfB) en el canal de @rubenuria: “La gente del Atleti no sabe lo que va a fichar, Millot es buenísimo. No es un buen jugador, es buenísimo.” pic.twitter.com/rytcnAki8c
— Víctor Llebaria Escutia (@victor_llebaria) July 31, 2025
What we do know is that Diego Simeone is keen on getting the Frenchman through the doors and a part of his rejuvenated squad for this season.
All good(?) things must come to an end
A total of 10 players have now left Atleti this summer, with three being added to the list this week.
The trio's departures were already well documented last week, but we have since seen them become official.
Rodrigo De Paul was unveiled as an Inter Miami player over the weekend, becoming the club's record signing (once the obligation to buy clause kicks in next summer) for a total package worth €15 million. At the time of writing, El Motorcito has yet to leave a message to the Rojiblanco fan base he's leaving behind, many of whom held the door open wide as he left.
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Tuesday saw Samuel Lino finally announced as a Flamengo player, joining former Atléticos Felipe Luis and Saúl Ñíguez at the Série A leaders. A total of €25 million including variables is changing hands, bringing a close to Lino’s three-year association with Atleti.
Although Thomas Lemar has only left on loan to Girona and has a contract in Madrid until 2027, he said goodbye on Thursday with a message that gave the impression he wouldn't be returning. His seven-year spell at Atlético was fractured by injury, but now fit again, Lemar hopes to reboot his career up in Catalunya.
Mouriño returns...
Atlético Madrid have exercised their option to buy Santiago Mouriño back from Deportivo Alavés.
According to Marca, the Uruguayan center-back will come back to the Metropolitano for around €4 million, having been sold for €3 million last summer.
...Mouriño leaves
Ah, that makes sense. In a clever (but morally dubious) piece of business, Mouriño will be shipped straight to the east coast to join Villarreal for approximately €10 million.
For a player who made zero official appearances for the club, a €6 million gain seems like a great deal. However, some fans feel it's a shame he never got the chance to show his qualities in red and white.
BREAKING: Santiago Mouriño to Villarreal is verbally agreed, pending signatures.
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 30, 2025
A 5-year contract for the player.
It’s a direct transfer from Atlético de Madrid, who will retain a percentage of any future sale.
[ ️: @MatteMoretto] pic.twitter.com/Fs5ok7w1W8
Molina is the signing!
A shift in ideas at the back has resulted in Nahuel Molina keeping his spot in Simeone's plans for this season.
It has become apparent that new boy Pubill could be converted to a right-sided center-back by El Cholo, leaving Molina and Marcos Llorente as the two wing-backs on the right side.
BREAKING: Nahuel Molina will stay at Atlético Madrid this upcoming season. His place in the squad is CONFIRMED!
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 29, 2025
[ ️: @medinamarca, @marca] pic.twitter.com/eaRedPLc0L
Pubill has been touted for his 1.91m frame and aerial qualities that could be a timely addition to the back line, and a hint at a return to a 3-5-2 formation.
Other rumours include...
- A combination of Víctor Llebaria Escutia and Fabrizio Romano have helped play down the talk of Atleti being interested in Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli. It seemed there were inquiries made around the time of Ruggeri's signing, but for now no further steps have been taken to sign the 25-year-old forward.
- Matteo Moretto has said this week that the Ademola Lookman trail has gone all but silent as the Nigerian winger continues to have his future negotiated between Atalanta and Inter Milan.
- Local sports radio station Deportes COPE Valencia have said that Atleti are remaining alert in case of any problems with Javi Guerra renewing his contract with Los Che. Manchester United and AC Milan are the other clubs with an eye on the situation should talks fall through.
Something to put a smile on your face
It's hard not to check in every time Ángel Correa plays a match for his new club, and those of us who saw Tigres' new number seven in action in midweek were treated to a typically fantastic mazy run and goal from the world's smiliest football player.
Que joya de Gol nos acaba de regalar @AngelCorrea32 #LeaguesCup2025 @TigresOficial pic.twitter.com/rYx35kDGjj
— Mauro Gonzalez (@MauroGzzz) July 30, 2025
More from intothecalderon.com:
- The Curious Case of Ángel Correa
- Colchonero Chat 24: Ringing in the New Year with Euan McTear
- An update on Atletico Femenino
- Saúl Ñíguez admits consistency has been an issue for him this year, cites reasons
- 5 Atletico Madrid players whose reputations are on the line in 2017
- January Window and Beyond
- Alessio Cerci set to join Bologna...again
