Atlético Madrid are preparing to submit a €30 million proposal for Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Füllkrug, according to Bild. The Spanish club aims to surpass AC Milan, who have also been in discussions with the German international about a potential transfer to the San Siro. Internal discussions at Atlético have already confirmed the decision to pursue the 31-year-old striker, as well as the proposed transfer fee.
Strategic Move Following Morata’s Departure
This move comes after Álvaro Morata’s recent transfer to AC Milan, leaving a gap in Atlético’s attacking options. Manager Diego Simeone is reportedly impressed by Füllkrug’s goal-scoring prowess and envisions the former Werder Bremen player replicating his impactful performances from Euro 2024 as a substitute for Atlético. Simeone believes Füllkrug can provide a significant boost off the bench, similar to his role in the German national team.
Atlético’s proposal includes performance-related bonuses as part of the transfer fee, aiming to balance immediate payment with potential future incentives. This aspect of the deal may require further negotiation to satisfy both clubs and ensure the terms are acceptable to Dortmund.
Dortmund’s Financial Gain
Dortmund signed Füllkrug for €17 million last summer, and selling him for €30 million would nearly double their investment. This potential profit aligns with Dortmund’s strategy of buying and selling players for financial gain. While Dortmund is open to selling the striker, it remains unclear if they will agree to Atlético’s structure of the deal, which includes conditional payments. The final terms of the transfer will need to be carefully worked out to meet the expectations of both parties involved.
Negotiation Details and Future Prospects
As the transfer window progresses, the focus will be on whether Dortmund and Atlético can agree on the structure of the payment. Dortmund might prefer a fixed-price deal to secure guaranteed funds, while Atlético’s approach includes bonuses based on Füllkrug’s performance. This negotiation will be crucial in determining the transfer’s success.
If the deal goes through, Füllkrug will bring experience and finishing ability to Atlético’s squad, potentially filling the void left by Morata. His recent performances at Euro 2024 have highlighted his capability to make a difference, which Simeone hopes to leverage for Atlético’s upcoming season. The Spanish club’s ambition to strengthen their squad indicates their commitment to competing at the highest level domestically and in Europe.
