Atletico Madrid’s defence has been vulnerable this season, conceding eight goals in eight games in La Liga and the Champions League.
While the club has been recognised to be one of the strongest defensive teams in Europe under Diego Simeone’s direction throughout the years, the same cannot be said for this current squad.
Keeping this in mind, the team from Madrid is inclined to adopt an unconventional approach to resolving their recurring challenges. As a result, Atletico Madrid are planning an ambitious January move for Gerard Pique, according to SPORT.
This season, the World Cup winner has been Barcelona’s fifth-choice defence, having played only 90 and 45 minutes in the league and Europe’s best competition, respectively.
Simeone, on the other hand, has no concerns about the 35-year-old’s ability and is eager to sign him, especially after being disappointed with the performances of Mario Hermoso, Stefan Savic, and Felipe, as well as being aware of Jose Gimenez’s unreliable injury record.
The Argentine coach is thought to be interested in bringing in a centre-half who can provide leadership to the team and assist the club return to its former defensive dominance.
Simeone hopes to finalise a deal for Pique during the continuing negotiations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid over a lesser fee for Antoine Griezmann’s eventual permanent move to the Wanda Metropolitano.
As for Pique, he could consider a move to Atletico, given his current standing within Xavi’s Barcelona. Los Colchoneros will hope that in the event that the Barcelona icon joins the club, he has a similar impact to Luis Suarez during the 2020/2021 season.
Griezmann asked to drop wages
Antoine Griezmann accepted a €4 million pay reduction when he left Barcelona to join Atletico Madrid on loan last year, reducing his annual income from €16 million (net) to €12 million.
However, due to difficulties in registering players this summer, the 31-year-old was forced to accept to a pay cut, with the Frenchman now earning €6 million per year at Atletico Madrid.
According to MARCA, Los Rojiblancos have requested the French international to take another wage drop in order for his permanent relocation to the Civitas Metropolitano next summer to be possible.
As per the report, Atletico Madrid are already in negotiations with Barcelona over reducing Griezmann’s transfer fees.
The Colchoneros are expected to pay €40 million to make his purchase permanent but they are unwilling to match that amount.
