Transfer Fun

By: Al | January 23rd, 2009

Atlético isn’t interested in buying anyone this month but they’re already freshening themselves up for the summer transfer window. They’re already making a few headlines with interest in a few players and some snubs.

The biggest name linked to the club is Fred. The out-of-favor Brazilian striker is currently hitting up the Lyon reserves, with his last appearance being on January 10 against Lorient (1-1). A source says “Fred reportedly kicked over a chair and stormed out of a team meeting after Puel criticized his play during a video session the day after the Lorient match”. Goddamn. I always thought that we needed an extra striker to give some competition for Forlan and Sinama, and Fred would be a great addition. He is more likely to return to Brazil and play for either Fluminense or Palmeiras, but his agent said that Atlético isn’t out of the question.

I’d love to see stuff like this at Atlético:

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Sergio Asenjo, the Spanish U-20 Valladolid keeper seems to have Barcelona, Valencia, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham (how the heck are Spaniards still being linked to Tottenham?) all excited. Atlético is no exception, and even with Leo Franco getting ready to pen an extension, Atlético want a keeper for the long-term when Coupet is done.

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A bid for Emmanuel Eboue was immediately rejected by Arsenal, the club claiming that he’s awaiting an extension at the club. He was booed at the Emirates during the 1-0 victory against Wigan earlier this month for playing like ass. He is also being linked to Inter Milan on a free transfer, since his contract runs this summer.

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There were also heavy rumors linking Kun Aguero to Real Madrid, and the club released an official statement saying that they haven’t been contacted by Real Madrid and that he has a contract until 2012 and is being counted on. In other words, they implied to say “F OFF REAL MADRID HE’S OURS”. At least that’s how I read it.

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Our sporting director Jesús García Pitarch is attending the CONMEBOL U-20 tournament with the goal of finding potential additions to the squad, and “new Aguero’s” according to him. He will specifically be looking at six players:

Defenders:
Aguirregaray (Uruguay)
Everton (Brazil)

Midfield:
Douglas Costa (Brazil)
Salvio (Argentina)

Forwards:
Walter (Brazil)
Abel Hernández (Uruguay)

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Pitarch also traveled to Sao Paolo to talk with with Keirrison and his agents in person in order to get an edge over the other teams interested in him (Real Madrid, Valencia, Liverpool). Keirrison was the top scorer of the last Campeonato Brasileiro with Coritiba and is of course, being linked everywhere. He is apparently in advanced talks with Valencia but who knows where he’ll end up.

Some highlights, just ignore the fact that they included penalties in this video:

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The crazy Atleti story of the day: UEFA sent two representatives to the Atletico training camp for a drug test, singling out six unnamed players to take it. Reports say that the players were “shocked” and described the representatives as “vampires”. (No joke).

We visit Málaga is on Sunday, and I can’t wait to see Atleti get back on track.