Amid a troubling series of results, Atlético de Madrid is focused on addressing its weaknesses during the international break. The team has lost three of its last four matches, prompting concerns about their current form and players' confidence.
Despite these challenges, Atlético is eyeing a more robust squad for the upcoming summer transfer window. As the club prepares for a bold new project, it is reportedly close to securing one of the best young talents in the game, Pablo Maffeo, currently with RCD Mallorca.
Pablo Maffeo, known for his impressive qualities on the ball and defensive prowess, has been targeted by Atlético for several transfer windows. His leadership and skill make him a fitting candidate for strengthening the Atlético defense. Sources indicate that Maffeo is excited about the prospect of joining such a prestigious club. He has virtually agreed to terms with Atlético, showing a strong desire to elevate his career beyond RCD Mallorca.
The club is being cautious, however, choosing to bide its time before finalizing a move for Maffeo until the situation is clearer in the summer of 2025.
While the management is deliberating, the team is eager to return to winning ways. They are focused on re-establishing themselves as serious contenders for both the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey, threatening the giants of Spain and Europe. With a determined mindset, Atlético aims to elevate its performance in the upcoming weeks, wary of the pressure from their rivals.
Meanwhile, Real Betis Balompié also made headlines with their strategic maneuvers during the winter transfer market. Not only did they bring in new players like Antony and 'Cucho' Hernández, but they also managed to offload some players efficiently to ease their financial burden.
A notable transaction involved the loan of Juanmi Jiménez to Getafe. Should Getafe avoid relegation, this loan could result in a financial windfall of two million euros for Betis. The agreement includes a mandatory purchase clause, creating a sense of assurance for the club regarding its financial stability.
Juanmi, a 31-year-old forward, arrived at Getafe with the goal of aiding the club in its battle against relegation. While he has yet to make a significant scoring impact, his arrival has coincided with a marked improvement in Getafe's performance, helping them extend their lead over the relegation zone.
For Betis, securing this financial agreement helps mitigate the risk of Juanmi's depreciated value, as his current contract extends until 2026. If Getafe maintains its position in La Liga, this transfer venture could be deemed a tremendous success.
On another front, Borja Iglesias has voiced his intention to remain with RC Celta after his current loan ends on June 30, 2025. Iglesias, whose contract with Real Betis extends for another year with an option for an additional year, expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of staying with Celta.
The forward stated, “Yes, today I feel very strong, eager and excited. It’s true that I have a contract with Betis.” While Iglesias noted that discussions about a permanent move are not yet concrete, he expressed hope for a continued bond with Celta. Just a month into his loan to Celta, Iglesias quickly became a crucial player, being the only player to have participated in all 28 La Liga matches this season.
Despite past struggles, Iglesias has found renewed motivation and heart in Celta. Reflecting positively on his return, he described it as “a very special moment,” indicating that he needed to rediscover his passion for the game after a challenging period. Iglesias's scoring talents were pivotal in Betis's previous Copa del Rey victory.
In summary, both Atlético de Madrid and Real Betis have significant plans and aspirations that showcase their ambitions in various ways. For Atlético, the aim is to bolster their squad by potentially securing players like Maffeo, while Betis is ensuring its financial health through smart transfers. Meanwhile, Iglesias is looking to solidify his future with Celta, highlighting how player aspirations and club strategies shape the landscape of La Liga.
