José Giménez could be available this summer

LaLiga announced Monday morning that Spanish football will remain suspended until further notice due to the continued spread of COVID-19. This development further throws the sporting calendar into chaos and asks more questions about how or when the season — and offseason, by proxy — will conclude.

(Update — the Olympics are postponed now, too.)

As such, there’s plenty of time now to reflect on the past and prognosticate on the future, because who doesn’t love a good transfer rumor?

AS have one centered on Atlético Madrid’s lone Uruguayan. Apparently citing a report from an Inter Milan website, the Madrid daily claims Liverpool — you know, the team Atlético knocked out of the Champions League nearly two weeks ago — are interested in acquiring José Giménez this summer. Though on its face his €120 million release clause appears unattainable, Atleti may be willing to negotiate after the injury-prone 25-year-old fell down the defensive pecking order this season.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Giménez — named third captain shortly before 2019/20 began — appeared as an extra time substitute at Anfield on March 11, one of his 16 appearances on the campaign. Felipe Monteiro’s emergence has convinced Diego Simeone that his team’s best center back duo comprises the Brazilian and Stefan Savić. The young Mario Hermoso is still developing and is likely to see more playing time in 2020/21, which could leave Giménez on the outs.

The Uruguay stalwart has played in 180 games in red and white, and he has a plaque outside the Wanda Metropolitano to honor his 100-plus appearances. But Giménez’s constant muscular injuries have proven frustrating for a team that expected him to step fully into Diego Godín’s shoes following his departure for Serie A last year.

Elsewhere, AS have linked Atlético with a potential move for Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos. The Colombian has averaged better than a goal every other game for the Scottish giants since his 2017 arrival, and he would be much less expensive than other strikers Atleti could target.

The club is (rightfully) concerned about the options behind Álvaro Morata and João Félix. Simeone favorite Diego Costa is very much past it at the top level, and the Argentine has never seriously considered Ivan Šaponjić as a viable option.