Atletico Madrid want to sign Tottenham Hotspur star in major move | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid Monitor Spurs Midfielder as Contract Talks Stall

Atlético Madrid are monitoring Rodrigo Bentancur’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur, with a potential move to La Liga being considered for the Uruguayan international. According to Fichajes.

Bentancur, 28, is entering a crucial period of his career and his future remains uncertain with no signs yet of a contract renewal. His deal runs until the summer of 2026, which gives Spurs some security, but the lack of progress on talks could turn him into a target for Europe’s top clubs.

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Key Role Under Thomas Frank

Bentancur has been a key figure for Thomas Frank so far this season, starting in all four of Spurs’ competitive fixtures, split between the Europe and the Premier League. His experience and composure in midfield have been vital as Frank tries to blend established stars with emerging talents such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

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“I am focused on helping Tottenham this season, but in football you never know what might happen,” Bentancur is reported to have said in a recent interview, underlining both his commitment and his awareness of how quickly circumstances can change.

Atlético’s Tactical Interest

Atlético’s interest comes amid uncertainty over the future of Conor Gallagher, who is expected to return to the Premier League next summer. Diego Simeone reportedly views Bentancur as the perfect fit for his double pivot, offering a combination of defensive stability and passing range.

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The Argentine coach sees Bentancur as an experienced partner for Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso, while providing immediate reliability in key matches. His previous spells at Juventus and now Tottenham have honed him into a midfielder capable of thriving in a high-pressure environment.

Contract Considerations

The financial element is critical. Atlético are only expected to pursue the deal if there is an opportunity to sign Bentancur on a free transfer or for a reduced fee. Paying a premium for a player who may not be in Spurs’ long-term plans is not an option for the Madrid club.

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Bentancur, for his part, would reportedly welcome a first experience in Spanish football after previous spells in Argentina and Italy. The chance to play under Simeone at a club regularly competing in Europe’s knockout stages would be a logical next step.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Bentancur will be keen to maintain regular minutes at the highest level to stay central to Marcelo Bielsa’s plans for Uruguay.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Bentancur has been one of the most technically gifted midfielders at the club since his arrival from Juventus and offers a level of control and decision-making that few others in the squad can match. His ability to play through pressure and link defence to attack has been crucial in big matches.

That said, the direction of travel under Thomas Frank is clear. Spurs are building around a younger core, with Gray and Bergvall seen as the future of the midfield. If a significant offer were to come from Atlético, supporters might view it as a pragmatic move, freeing up wages and potentially allowing investment in other areas.

The ideal outcome for many fans would be to see Bentancur stay and mentor the next generation for another season or two, then move on with the club receiving a respectable fee. Losing him on a free in 2026 would represent poor business. If there is no sign of an extension by the end of this season, Spurs will need to act decisively.