Winter Transfer Market Highlights: Atlético Madrid’s Last-Minute Signings

The winter transfer market concluded with an exhilarating finale, notably marked by Atlético Madrid’s acquisition of three players in rapid succession: Ademola Lookman, Obed Vargas, and Rodrigo Mendoza. The last-minute efforts of Mateu Alemany stood in stark contrast to the relative calm exhibited by many other teams, which, with few exceptions, barely utilized their fax machines.

Celta Vigo experienced a bustling end to the window with two late arrivals, while Elche faced the departures of Mendoza and Álvaro Núñez—two critical components of their squad. Alavés made headlines by signing the top scorer from the Swedish league, and Getafe had its share of surprises, both alarming and rewarding.

In a surprising turn, Alavés secured the signing of Diabate, the leading scorer from the previous Swedish league season, who arrives from Gais after netting 19 goals. He joins the Babazorros in a bid to compete for the striker position alongside Boyé and Toni Martínez. With prior experience in the youth teams of Mallorca, Sevilla, and Atlético Madrid, his goal-scoring record speaks for itself.

Celta was among the last teams to make moves in the transfer market, acquiring Matías Vecino and Álvaro Núñez. The 34-year-old Lazio midfielder, who has represented Uruguay internationally, joins the Vigo side to reinforce a position weakened by the departures of Fran Beltrán and Damián during the winter window. Meanwhile, the surprise arrival of the Elche left-back allows Giráldez to bolster his squad for a fee of one million euros plus 10% of a future sale.

Vecino’s arrival coincided with the announcement of Bryan Zaragoza’s transfer to Roma. In a heartfelt letter, Bryan expressed his sentiments, stating, “Some may say it was just six months, but for me, they were unique. The nights of EuroCelta at Balaídos, stepping onto the field with Oliveira dos Cen Anos, the victory at the Bernabéu… These are not merely six months; they are memories for a lifetime.”

In the afternoon, Getafe received a jolt of concern with reports from Matteo Moretto regarding negotiations for Luis Milla by Como. The midfielder, vital for Bordalás and instrumental in the team’s gameplay, was a part of Cesc’s plans; however, the seven million euro offer from the Italian side was deemed insufficient. Following this scare, there was both a departure and an arrival: Coba left for Anderlecht, while Serbian forward Birmancevic from Sparta Prague joined the blue squad.

Tete Morente returned to Elche after a stint with Lecce, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2028. Morente debuted with Elche during the 2020-21 season and has spent four seasons with the team—three in La Liga and one in the Segunda Division—before his departure in the 2023-24 season. In a last-minute maneuver, Elche secured the loan of Sangaré, a Spanish under-19 player from Roma.

Mallorca celebrated their victory over Sevilla with the acquisition of Zito Luvumbo, an Angolan winger from Cagliari, who is joining the team on loan. Although his statistics this season—having not scored or assisted in twelve matches for the Italian side—are not particularly encouraging, he will provide additional depth for the squad in Son Moix.

On the final day of the winter market, Athletic Bilbao made their only movement by signing central defender Unai Egiluz, who had yet to receive a first-team number due to a right knee ligament injury suffered in preseason.