Simeone’s 15th year and Metropolitano final: five tests shaping Atlético Madrid’s season | OneFootball

Atlético Madrid begin 2026/27 facing five pressing tests after an uneven campaign that ended with a traumatic Copa del Rey final defeat and a painful Champions League exit. With a month to go before their league opener, the roadmap is set.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the first task is replacing Antoine Griezmann, who said goodbye in May as the club’s record scorer. Kang-in Lee is the frontrunner and a move from PSG could be confirmed as early as Thursday for around 35 million euros plus five in add-ons, with a contract to 2031. He could link up this week after his three-week break following the World Cup, which would tick off the first objective if there is no late twist.

Much of the market work rests with Mateu Alemany, the sporting director hired earlier this year, who still added Ademola Lookman late in winter. During the World Cup period the club secured Alejandro Grimaldo for 15 million euros and Morten Hjulmand for 40 million plus five in variables. The Julián case and defensive and midfield reinforcements are on his agenda.

The season starts on 19 August with the window still open, marking Diego Simeone’s 15th full campaign since arriving mid 2011/12. Only four coaches have overseen more consecutive LaLiga seasons, Ferdinand Daucík with 18, Javier Irureta and José Luis Mendilibar with 17, and Miguel Muñoz with 16. After the Copa final loss and elimination by Arsenal, he seeks to refresh ideas while the club’s backing remains firm.

Europe remains the target. The Metropolitano will host the Champions League final on 5 June 2027, offering Atlético the chance, if they get there, to chase a first European Cup on home soil and to put the stadium back at the centre of the continental stage.

Off the pitch, this is the first full campaign under Apollo’s stewardship, a restructuring still in transition. Investment capacity, growth strategy and international expansion will be scrutinised as Atlético balance sporting ambition with business objectives.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo