Transfer rumor: Real Madrid considering signing Atletico Madrid defender José Maria Giménez
Real Madrid will be looking to add more options to their squad this summer, but will it start with stealing from the enemy? Here’s a look at Madrid’s latest option.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that this summer’s transfer window will likely be a big one. Just minutes after the Champions League Final victory in Kiev, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale hinted at their exit.
Regardless of their movement or lack thereof, reinforcements will be added by manager Zinedine Zidane as he prepares for the new campaign. The Champions League winners have been linked to defender José Maria Giménez.
Madrid just released their new jerseys and they’re also looking for new faces to dawn them. With so many players on their way out last summer, Madrid failed to bring in true reinforcements. While the addition of some youngsters was fine and dandy, for the long term, it hurt Real this past season. Real Madrid struggled in the domestic campaigns with the starting XI racking up huge minutes.
Focusing on defense, last summer Real let go of Pepe, who was exceptional in his role. As the season went on and players picked up injuries, Zidane had very few options to rely upon. Nacho, who was the saving grace many times, did well for the side but he too got injured. That left three youngsters to cover the back, two of which are wing-backs.
What He Brings
The addition of Giménez would truly strengthen the team’s depth and allow Zidane the luxury of resting Sergio Ramos or Raphael Varane. Being just 23 years of age, he would be a great long-term addition to the squad with plenty of years ahead of him.
José has been a vital part of Atletico’s squad, participating in 38 games racking up nearly 3,000 minutes. The defender has been linked with the Whites since 2015 but it’s only now that Real is ready to welcome his skillset.
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The Uruguayan boasts speed which is great in tracking down attackers in the event of a counter-attack. His ability to shield the ball and be a great holding defender helps slow down the play and keep possession. From set-pieces, Giménez is an asset in warding off attacking players with a strong presence in the air.
The simple fact that this man thrived under Diego Simeone is reason enough to buy him. Simeone’s Atletico is one of the tightest defensive teams in La Liga. Atletico Madrid conceded just 22 goals this season, that is .6 goals per game. Gimenez played a great role in that success.
Hot or Not
Giménez is a great player and boasts an array of skills as mentioned above. The arsenal he possesses along with his age are huge bonuses for Real Madrid. Having him at the club would be great for the team as they push to lift every trophy possible. José has played a load of minutes under Simeone and is match ready with a fair amount of experience under his belt.
Sergio Ramos is now 32-years-old and is looking on top of his game, but that doesn’t mean Madrid should wait to buy another center-back. Replacing Ramos will by no means be easy, but a reasonable price tag will be worth it in the long run.
Last season, Real Madrid played 62 matches from start to finish. Don’t forget that includes an early exit from the Copa del Rey totaling 5,580 minutes of game time. A healthy rotation of Ramos, Varane, Vallejo, and Giménez would work wonders for the team. It decreases the susceptibility of injury and increases the match fitness of the back line.
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Buying from the neighbors is never an easy thing, but if not now, then when? Giménez was left out of some big games at Atletico under Simeone. At Madrid, he could thrive and grow into a starting role with time. Top class center-backs are a hot commodity nowadays, and this one should not be overlooked.
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