CONFIRMADO: Marcos Llorente signs contract extension to 2027

Marcos Llorente is going nowhere.

Two years to the day since he debuted for the club, Atlético Madrid announced Wednesday night that Llorente has signed a new contract to 2027. His original deal would have expired in 2024.

This contract is now the longest on Atlético’s books, one year longer than Saúl Ñíguez’s deal running to 2026.

“Two years ago, I came to Atleti with great enthusiasm,” Llorente tweeted. “Since then, I have traveled a path on which I have grown as a footballer and as a person, I have fallen and risen, I have found a second family, and we have experienced unforgettable moments.

“There are places in the world where you feel complete, there are people who make life what it is, and there are moments that will always stay with you,” he continued. “I have all of that here, where I’m happy. And where I’m going to continue until 2027. At least. Let’s continue along this beautiful path together.”

Llorente’s career — and Atlético’s trajectory — changed almost overnight on March 11, 2020. That night, he came off the bench to score two goals in extra time at Anfield, thus eliminating holders Liverpool from the Champions League.

Since then, the 26-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s deadliest midfielders.

Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images

In LaLiga last season, Llorente was instrumental in helping Atlético capture its first title in seven years. The former Real Madrid pivot’s athleticism, physical power, sharp passing, and even-sharper finishing saw him end the campaign as one of just two players to record double digits in goals (12) and assists (11).

Atlético are still combing the transfer market for one more striker to complete the squad — Fiorentina’s Dušan Vlahović and Hertha Berlin’s Matheus Cunha seem to be the top choices. But in the meantime, the club continues to make an effort that ensures last season’s core remains in place for years to come. Llorente’s long-term extension follows those already handed out to Stefan Savić (to 2024) and to José Giménez (2025).

The club can now turn toward striking an agreement with GOATkeeper Jan Oblak (whose contract expires in 2023) as well as with Ángel Correa, who has three years left on his contract to 2024 but has probably earned a renewal.