Ex-Atléticos: Do They Shine Away from Cholo?
Several players who recently left Atlético de Madrid, including names like Morata, Hermoso, and Savic, have not found the expected success in their new teams. Morata, now at Galatasaray, admitted he was wrong to leave the Colchoneros, acknowledging Simeone’s positive influence.
Eight players left the team last summer, seeking new horizons in clubs around the world, from Turkey to Brazil, passing through Italy and other European destinations. However, few have managed to maintain the level shown at the Metropolitano.
Morata and Hermoso, for example, had to change teams in the winter market after complicated starts to the season. Vermeeren, who returned to the Metropolitano with Leipzig, could not prevent his team’s defeat. Savic, in Turkey, has suffered injuries that have limited his participation.
Soyuncu has also found it difficult to settle at Fenerbahce. Paulista, another ex-Colchonero in Turkey, also struggles with injuries. Saúl Ñíguez, on loan to Sevilla, has had an irregular role due to injuries. Memphis Depay went to Corinthians, far from top-level European football.
Moldovan, now in the Italian Serie B, is a starter for his team, but far from the level required at Atlético. It is striking that several of these players, such as Savic, Hermoso, and Morata, were starters in important matches at the Metropolitano, which underscores Simeone’s ability to get the most out of his players.
