Atlético open to selling José Giménez as transfer window officially opens

Atlético Madrid need to sell this summer before they can make any singings — and for the first time, they are willing to listen to offers for centre-back José Giménez, putting a €60 million price tag on him.

Diario As has reported that Atlético are aware of continental interest for the 27-year-old and are willing to consider offers. They need to reinforce Diego Simeone’s options at right-back and in central midfield positions, but don’t have the funds or wiggle room within their spending limit to act.

It remains to be seen if Giménez himself would agree to leave the club he joined in 2013, as an 18-year-old.

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Álvaro Morata and Saúl Ñíguez returning from their respective loans at Juventus and Chelsea FC has hamstrung Atlético’s finances. Morata has a contract now until 2024 and Saúl has several years left on his — it expires in 2026. Fitting both players back into the squad will come at a cost, and the relationship between Simeone and Morata is not ideal according to former Atlético right-back Juanfran.

Giménez is one of the only players in the squad with any serious value in the transfer market and a player from whom Simeone could envision moving on, considering his various injuries. The Uruguayan has drawn interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid in the past, but he has been slowed by injuries throughout his career.

Atlético are coming off a poor year, the only saving grace being a top-four finish and a decent performance against Manchester United and Man City in the Champions League knock-out stages. Axel Witsel is reportedly close to signing and Pablo Maffeo has reportedly been selected as the right-back for next season, provided a deal can be agreed with Mallorca.

Atlético stumbled into third place last season and will need to improve in several aspects in order to compete next season. They have said goodbye to Hector Herrera and Luis Suárez but need to figure some things out with their finances before any other reinforcements arrive. Selling third captain Giménez could be on the table as a result.