Atletico Madrid find themselves chasing not just points, but the spark needed to break Real Madrid and Barcelona’s stranglehold on Spanish football.
When Atletico Madrid lifted the La Liga trophy at the end of the 2020/21 season, hope soared in the red and white quarters of Madrid. That championship remains their only league triumph in over a decade dominated by the big-spending might of Real Madrid and the relentless talent conveyor belt of Barcelona.
Diego Simeone, the longest-serving manager in La Liga’s modern era, may be a club icon, but after years of being the nearly men, the pressure to capture the league title again is suffocating. Last season was a classic Atletico Madrid tale, complete with moments of grit and defiance. However, there was ultimately not enough ammunition to reel in their historic rivals.
Simeone was notably unconvinced by the depth and versatility within his squad, a suspicion regularly borne out as injuries and suspensions exposed the gaps on Atletico Madrid’s bench. This summer, though, the response has been vigorous.
New faces like Alex Baena, Johnny Cardoso, Matteo Ruggeri, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Thiago Almada are all on board, suggesting a desire for both immediate impact and long-term solutions.
But does quantity guarantee quality, especially with Real Madrid landing marquee additions and Barcelona reloading their roster? The Spanish top flight is increasingly a sprint, not a marathon. To keep pace, let alone overtake, you need both creative dynamite and clinical finishing.
While Almada brings craft and Baena adds bite, neither is a natural game-changer who can single-handedly dent defences when it matters most. The reality is, Atletico Madrid’s frontline, ageing and at times blunt, needs a new talisman.
Antoine Griezmann has been immense, but with age catching up, the need for fresh legs and sharper instincts is urgent. Here are three players who could transform Atletico Madrid from nearly men to champions:
Giacomo Raspadori
The Napoli forward, often mentioned in transfer whispers, fits the Atletico Madrid model to perfection. Versatile enough to play as a striker, second forward, or even on the flank, Raspadori endured a quiet spell under Antonio Conte at Napoli, with just six goals and limited minutes to show for it. If Atletico can strike a smart bargain, he could offer both creativity and work ethic in attack.
Alejandro Garnacho
Once part of Atletico Madrid’s own youth academy, Alejandro Garnacho has impressed at Manchester United with his directness and flair. He’s reportedly open to a move if convinced of regular opportunities, though his heart may still rest in England.
For Atletico Madrid, bringing him home could inject raw pace and unpredictability on the wings, something that has been lacking in their play. He has no future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim, and with a move within the Premier League not materialising, the Spanish giants can certainly jump in and try to bring him back.
Alexander Isak
The Swedish international has become a standout name at Newcastle United, notching 23 Premier League goals last season. Although he is Liverpool’s top target, if Atletico Madrid find themselves flush from player sales like Alexander Sorloth, a bold approach could tempt Isak to consider a starring role in Spain.
The financial scale of such a move, and the player’s preference for Liverpool, make this the unlikeliest of the trio, but his ability to change games single-handedly is unquestioned. He could be the guy who helps them narrow the gap at the top and finally clinch their first league title since 2021.
The Madrid-based club are making strides in the transfer market and have addressed some glaring squad weaknesses. Yet, if Diego Simeone’s men are to genuinely challenge for the title and resurrect the magic of 2020/21, they will need not just hard-working all-rounders, but a sprinkle of stardust up front. Only then can they hope to break the white-and-blue duopoly and deliver the La Liga dream their fans crave so much.
