UEFA Champions League
Atlético de Madrid faces a winter transfer market marked by departures. The sports planning has shifted towards a scenario of deep adjustments that could alter the squad's balance in the midst of the season.
The first decisions have already been made. Javi Galán has completed his transfer, and Carlos Martín has been loaned out, two moves that set a dynamic that won't stop there.
The Atlético de Madrid speeds up the exit operation
The departure of Javi Galán to Osasuna was the first step. The full-back didn't manage to establish himself, and the club chose to free up a spot that wasn't a priority for Simeone.
Shortly after, Carlos Martín packed his bags to go on loan to Rayo Vallecano. The academy player needed playing time, and the coaching staff believed his development required competing away from the Metropolitano. Two confirmed exits that have reduced the depth of the Atlético de Madrid squad, especially in rotational positions.

Thiago Almada, with Brazil on the horizon
The next key player is Thiago Almada. The Argentine has not achieved continuity since his arrival, and his prominence has diminished after a key muscle injury.
Although he started the season with significance, his role has drastically reduced. In recent weeks, he has barely featured for Simeone, a situation that has piqued interest from Brazil.
Palmeiras has made a formal offer for Thiago Almada, convinced that they can bring out his best form, offering 20 million for 50% of his rights. At Atlético de Madrid, they are studying the deal, as long as it allows them to recoup a significant part of the investment made.
20 million euro offer from Palmeiras for 50% of the rights of @Atleti player Thiago Almada, as revealed by @TyCSports pic.twitter.com/H6AMwW8LGX
— solofichajes123 (@solofichajes123) January 9, 2026
Giacomo Raspadori, very close to leaving
The case of Giacomo Raspadori is also progressing towards an exit. The Italian striker is on the verge of completing a loan to Roma, with a purchase option that could be mandatory. His lack of impact and the competition in attack have weighed on him. Although his departure seemed to open space for Thiago Almada, the possibility that both might leave remains very much present.
If confirmed, Atlético de Madrid would lose two offensive pieces in just a few days, a clear risk for a team competing in three competitions.
A squad on the edge after the departures
With Javi Galán, Carlos Martín, Giacomo Raspadori, and Thiago Almada out, Atlético de Madrid would be left with only 20 first-team players. Reducing to 18 outfield players forces a rethink of the roadmap. Simeone needs alternatives, and the club knows it can't stand still.
Departures relieve the wage bill but create a competitive void that demands immediate responses from the offices. The message is clear. Atlético de Madrid will have four departures in January and, if they want to maintain their competitive edge, they must turn to the market to address a critical situation.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 4 jugadores que Simeone quiere lejos del Atlético

