Atlético move for Tomás Pérez, 20-year-old Argentine midfielder | OneFootball

Atlético is in advanced negotiations to sign the Argentine defensive midfielder Tomás Pérez, 20 years old, who belongs to Porto, from Portugal. The position of defensive midfielder is currently considered the most lacking in the alvinegro squad, and the club is working to secure the arrival of a player whose characteristics are more aligned with the style of play desired by the coaching staff.

Pérez’s name was first reported by Itatiaia and confirmed by the portal Deus Me Dibre. The Atlético board considers the negotiation to be well underway and sees the young Argentine as a market opportunity to fill a gap identified internally.

Last Tuesday (10), Atlético’s Executive of Football, Paulo Bracks, had already indicated that the club was close to announcing a reinforcement for the position. In an exclusive interview with HG Play TV, the executive commented on the search for a defensive midfielder with a specific profile.

The statement reinforces the understanding that, although the squad has options for the role, the coaching staff is seeking a player with more specific characteristics to act as a reference point in front of the defense.

Career and current situation

Developed in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys, in Argentina, Tomás Pérez was transferred to Porto in 2025. However, the young midfielder has not yet managed to establish himself in the main squad of the Portuguese club.

With few opportunities in the first team, Pérez began to play more frequently for Porto’s B team. In the current 2025/2026 season, the 1.82 m tall midfielder has played only five matches. His last game was on November 30, 2025, in Porto B’s 2-1 defeat to Lusitânia FC.

Despite the limited playing time in Portugal, the player’s résumé includes recent international experience. In 2025, he was part of the Argentine national team that finished as runners-up in the U-20 World Cup. Pérez started in five of the team’s seven matches, including the final (he was substituted at halftime), when Argentina was defeated by Morocco 2-0.

The possible arrival of the Argentine represents Atlético’s bet on youth and growth potential, while also aiming to address an immediate need in the squad.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.