Atletico Madrid have committed to renewing some of their key players for the Club World Cup, which began on June 14, but the latest reports indicate that Diego Simeone's side are thinking of signing a major reinforcement from Liverpool for the likely knockout stage and the entire 2025/26 European season.
In the last few hours, Atleti have made progress in negotiations with left-back Andy Robertson, who is 31 and will be entering the final year of his contract with Liverpool next season. It's worth noting that the Reds are close to announcing an agreement with Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth) in the next few days, which could speed up the full-back's departure.
It makes a lot of sense that Atletico Madrid are looking for reinforcements for the left side of their defensive system considering that Reinildo and Cesar Azpilicueta are out of contract this summer, with the former Chelsea player expected to leave after the end of the Club World Cup, while Reinildo's future is uncertain. Javi Galán has started 21 games in the position, but the search for a safe alternative has been going on for some time for the LaLiga side.
Liverpool looks to keep overhauling its squad for the new season
Andy Robertson became Atletico Madrid's main target in the transfer window after Simeone's side opted not to sign Théo Hernández. The left-back played a big part in Liverpool's Premier League title, starting 27 of the 34 games, but has always been aware that his place in the first team is under threat for next season.
If he does leave the Reds, it will have a significant impact on the squad, considering that the left-back has been a first-team regular since 2017, showing a lot of rapport with Virgil van Dijk in terms of defensive support. However, his performance dropped considerably in the first half of the 2024/25 season, when he lost his starting place to Kostos Tsimikas before regaining it.