Atlético Madrid’s transfer strategy has always carried a striking "La Liga hue." In recent years, this "Colchoneros" side has kept its focus firmly fixed on the domestic hunting ground of La Liga. From Sørloth and Le Normand to today’s Baena, Cardoso, and Puebla, these names form a "treasure list" of their commitment to deepening roots at home – and this summer’s new signings are the latest "local specialties" added to the shelf.
Looking back at Atlético’s "La Liga shopping list," there have been numerous moves in recent years. In the summer of 2023, Galán joined from Celta Vigo for €5 million (including add-ons), while Granada’s Aghocha arrived via a €6 million release clause. However, the latter was loaned to Alavés before moving to Porto, becoming a fleeting presence. That same winter, Gabriel Paulista, "freed" from Valencia, provided short-term support but left for Beşiktaş after just 5 appearances, drifting through the Wanda Metropolitano like a gust of wind.
The real "blockbuster signings" came in the summer of 2024: Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth joined from Villarreal for €32 million in fixed fees plus €8 million in variables. The La Liga silver boot winner, who scored 24 goals in a single season, signed a long-term contract until 2028 upon arrival. Real Sociedad’s defensive linchpin Robin Le Normand followed, with a transfer fee of €34.5 million fixed plus €5 million securing the center-back a five-year deal (until 2029). Alongside Clément Lenglet, who made his loan from Barcelona permanent (until 2028), Atlético built a solid framework for both defense and attack through a series of "La Liga internal signings."
This summer, the "treasure hunt mode" restarted. Villarreal’s Álex Baena was the first major signing – the midfield core under Marcelino, fresh from helping the "Yellow Submarine" secure Champions League qualification, joined Atlético for €42 million fixed plus €13 million in variables, penning a five-year contract to become the new midfield engine. Next, American midfielder Johnny Cardoso arrived from Real Betis for €3 million (including variables), signing until 2030 and fulfilling Atlético’s five-year unfulfilled transfer dream.
A dramatic "twist" unfolded in defense: Atlético originally targeted Osasuna right-back Jesús Arezo, and a deal seemed imminent, but he suddenly "swerved" to return to his former club Athletic Bilbao (Arezo left the Basque side in 2021). Atlético quickly pivoted, swiftly signing 22-year-old Almería right-back Marc Puebla to fill the defensive gap.
But the treasure hunt isn’t over. Atlético’s "La Liga radar" is still active: Girona’s Miguel Gutiérrez and Valencia’s Javi Guerra are on the watchlist. Rumors of Rodrigo De Paul’s potential departure have revived hopes for Javi Guerra’s transfer; in central defense, Mallorca’s Leo Román was once a target, but Juan García was ultimately poached by Barcelona, so Atlético renewed the loan of Atlanta’s Juan Musso, adhering to the "local first" philosophy.
From Sørloth’s 24-goal sharpness, Le Normand’s defensive "iron wall," to Baena’s midfield creativity, Atlético’s sporting directors clearly regard La Liga as their most familiar "talent database." This philosophy of deepening local roots allows them to accurately identify "practical treasures" that fit their system. This summer’s Baena & Co. are the latest testament to this strategy.
