No club has enjoyed a better World Cup than Atletico Madrid. For the most part its players have performed well, but what's transpired off the pitch has been far more significant. Antoine Griezmann's decision to remain at the club, the Thomas Lemar transfer and a few key contract extensions highlight the strong summer Atletico has enjoyed.
Last season was by no means a disappointment for Atletico. After falling to Chelsea and Roma in a tough Champions League group, the club rallied to win the Europa League in convincing fashion. Barcelona's chase for an invincible season left Atletico little chance of a title run, but it finished in a respectable second place with 79 points.
Living in the shadows of Real Madrid and Barcelona isn't easy, but Atletico now looks poised to have the strongest season of those three teams. Ronaldo transfer rumors immediately followed his World Cup exit, and Juventus has emerged as the most likely suitor. Barcelona's core is getting older, and there's no replacing the impact of Andres Iniesta. With Real Madrid and Barcelona slightly weakened, Atletico should be aiming to win its first La Liga title since the 2013-14 season.
Although Atletico hasn't gone on a buying spree this summer, its fans have a lot to be excited about. First, the team did add a big name in Thomas Lemar. One summer after Monaco was demanding no less than $110 million for its prized 22-year-old winger, Atletico spent $83 million to buy him at a slight discount. Lemar admitted to being distracted by an imminent move to a big club as he struggled through injury last season. With his future now settled, Lemar's form should improve.
Thomas Lemar is not the only addition to the attack. Although Diego Costa was with the club all of last season, he was limited to 15 matches due to Atletico's transfer ban. A full season of Costa will allow Griezmann to settle into a No. 10 role. Costa's physicality and Griezmann's playmaking provide Atletico with an excellent one-two punch up top.
With Lemar signing and Griezmann deciding to stay, French left back Lucas Hernandez did not want to be left out of the action.
Grandes noticias desde Rusia. @AntoGriezmann ha firmado su renovación hasta 2023, @LucasHernandez hasta 2024 y Lemar su contrato #AúpaAtleti https://t.co/f1wjstCtj6 pic.twitter.com/vgRN0pture
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) June 18, 2018
The Atletico academy product appeared in 43 matches with the club last year, and at just 22, he'll be an important part of Atletico's defensive core for years to come.
Essential to that core is Atletico's Uruguayan center back pairing of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez. The 23-year-old Gimenez signed an extension to remain with Atletico through the 2022-23 season, and captain Diego Godin has shown no signs of slowing down.
Gimenez and Godin have anchored a Uruguay defense that has conceded just once through its first four World Cup games, leading La Celeste to a quarterfinal match against France on Friday.
One significant loss is the departure of Atletico's long-time captain Gabi. He is set to join Xavi at Al Sadd in Qatar. Saul and Koke provide great quality in the center of the midfield, but Atletico would do well to add some depth there.
Here's a look at a probable starting XI for Atletico next season.
Juanfran and Filipe Luis will see their fair share of playing time at fullback, and Kevin Gameiro will be a lethal attacking option off the bench. If Atletico adds an experienced midfield player to replace Gabi, they'll be as complete a team as any in Europe.
With the Champions League final set to be played at the Wanda Metropolitano next season, Atletico fans have every reason to believe that they'll be there to witness their team's first Champions League title.
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