Atlético's summer hinges on selling Sørloth and Almada for cash

Alexander Sørloth and Thiago Almada are reported to be on the verge of transfers – Sørloth to a Serie A club and Almada to a Saudi Arabian side – providing Atlético Madrid with the most lucrative exit options on their summer agenda, Kang‑in Lee as their first two arrivals this window. The club now looks to the potential sales of Sørloth and Almada to free up the budget for additional signings. The World Cup performances of both forwards are expected to boost their market values, 29, the Uruguayan third captain who has spent 13 years at the Metropolitano alongside Antoine Griezmann, is listed among the players whose futures are in doubt. Injuries have limited his minutes this season, prompting sporting director Mateu Alemany to consider a “painful sale” if a sizeable offer emerges. Interest from clubs in Argentina and Italy has been reported, and Giménez himself has expressed a desire for a “new start” after the World Cup.

Clément Lenglet, 29, signed a three‑year deal a year ago and now sits as the fifth‑choice centre‑back after a series of errors that cost Atlético points. With a reported acquisition cost of around €3 million and two years left on his contract, the club is contemplating granting him a freedom letter, contingent on his willingness to leave early. No confirmation has been given that Atlético would pay out any portion of his remaining deal to accelerate the separation.

Julián Álvarez remains the dominant storyline, having called a move to Barcelona “el sueño” during the World Cup, which adds further uncertainty to the squad’s composition. The departures of Sørloth and Almada, if realised, would provide Atlético with the financial leeway to reshape the attack and reinforce other areas. For the players, the moves promise a fresh start and the chance to capitalise on their World Cup form, while the club secures the resources needed for its next recruitment phase.