Atletico Madrid assess ambitious Jack Grealish move amid major financial obstacles

Atletico Madrid are preparing for complicated negotiations to sign Manchester City winger Jack Grealish in what could become one of the summer transfer window’s most ambitious and difficult deals.

The 30-year-old England international is reportedly being considered by Atletico after falling out of favour with Manchester City’s new manager Enzo Maresca. Grealish has also completed a loan spell at Everton, increasing the possibility that he could leave Etihad Stadium on a permanent transfer.

According to British newspaper The Sun, the winger is now on Atletico’s radar as the Spanish club look to strengthen their squad and rebuild after a disappointing campaign. However, the financial demands involved could make the proposed move particularly challenging for sporting director Mateo Alemany.

Simeone gives approval

Atletico manager Diego Pablo Simeone has reportedly approved the idea of signing Grealish. The Argentine believes the Birmingham-born player would fit naturally into his tactical approach, operating from the left wing, connecting midfield and attack and providing greater technical quality in the final third.

The potential transfer is part of Alemany’s wider plan to assemble a team capable of competing for major honours again. Atletico endured a frustrating season in which they were eliminated from the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League semi-finals, while they also said an early goodbye to the La Liga title race.

Alemany has already brought in Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee. Grealish would represent his next major target as he attempts to address the shortcomings that prevented Atletico from turning a promising season into one defined by trophies.

The club have not yet decided whether to submit a formal offer. Grealish’s contract and overall cost make the transfer a significant test for Alemany, with Atletico considering several possible structures to make the agreement viable.

A loan deal, an option to buy or an arrangement involving the sharing of the player’s wages could provide the most realistic routes to completing the move.

Premier League and overseas competition

Atletico would also face strong competition for Grealish’s signature. Everton and Aston Villa are monitoring his situation closely, while a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer could offer considerably more attractive financial terms.

That leaves Atletico needing to persuade Grealish that Simeone’s project can offer him the right sporting opportunity. The club would point to the prospect of playing in the Champions League and taking on a leading role in Simeone’s side, but securing his agreement would require considerable negotiating skill from Alemany.

Grealish joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of 117.5m euros. His sizeable contract has added to the difficulty of arranging his departure and is one of the central obstacles facing Atletico.

Alemany, an executive from the Balearic Islands, has built a reputation for handling complex negotiations and identifying opportunities late in transfer windows. If Manchester City decide to part company with Grealish but fail to receive an offer that satisfies them, Atletico may wait for the right moment to make their move.