As Atletico Madrid try to rebuild their squad this summer, a number of players are expected to leave the club. One of them was French midfielder Thomas Lemar, who still has three years left on his contract, and is yet to hit the heights expected of him since his €72m move.
Lemar, 28, was ruled out for the remainder of the season in September after surgery on his Achilles’ tendon, but recently returned to fitness, albeit not on the pitch. Along with Saul Niguez, Lemar was cited as one of the players that Atletico would be keen to move on this summer.
🇩🇰 Atlético Madrid is still attentive to what may happen with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s future.@diarioas pic.twitter.com/OsU7khWK5j
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) May 27, 2024
However Diario AS say that with relatively little interest in Lemar, who has a large and long contract, that Los Rojiblancos may be forced to hold onto to him next season. This is no setback for Diego Simeone though, who believes he could strengthen Atletico. His technical ability is beyond doubt, and Simeone feels if he can motivate Lemar, and get more consistent play or fitness out of him, then he could be a real asset for Los Colchoneros.
It is hard to argue with Simeone if that is a reality, but by the same logic, many Atletico fans are likely to point out that through his six seasons at the club, only one of them has seen the sort of production they need out of him. Lemar should in theory be coming into his prime, but not since that 2020-21 season has he been a regular in the side.
