Diego Simeone could leave Atletico Madrid with replacement talks in full swing

Tom Weber

• 31 Jan 2026 10:30 CST
• 4 min read

News

Diego Simeone is at serious risk of being dismissed by Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, with succession planning already in full swing.

Imagining the Spanish giants without the Argentine is almost unthinkable. Simeone has been in charge of Atletico Madrid since late 2011, having previously spent five years at the club across two spells as a player.

In just over 14 years as manager, Simeone has won two LaLiga titles, two UEFA Super Cups, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup, while also leading the Colchoneros to two Champions League finals.

However, tangible success has been found wanting in recent years. Simeone's last piece of silverware came in 2021, and Atleti have struggled to compete with Real Madrid and Barcelona despite huge investment.

€364 million has been spent on new players over the past two seasons, but with precious little to show for it. Atleti are currently eight points off LaLiga leaders Barcelona, and they only finished 14th in the league phase of the Champions League after losing three games.

Simeone could leave in 2026

The lack of competitiveness is increasingly starting to become a problem. Star striker Julian Alvarez, an acquisition worth up to €95m in 2024, is reportedly frustrated with Atleti's stagnation and keen to leave in the summer.

There is growing tension at the club and, as a result, Atleti are seriously considering cutting ties with Simeone after this season, according to Sky Germany. It is, however, important to note that this is not set in stone at this stage.

The report acknowledges that rumours regarding Simeone's position crop up almost every year, but this time there is actually substance to the speculation because of the significant changes at Atleti in recent months.

Long-serving sporting director Andrea Berta, a close ally of Simeone, left for Arsenal last year and was replaced by Mateu Alemany. It is claimed that the relationship between the two is strained.

Moreover, Apollo Sports Capital recently became Atleti's new majority shareholder, and there is an appetite for change. The new owners do not have the same emotional connection to Simeone as the previous regime and want to bring in someone who can provide a breath of fresh air.

Alemany is said to be a huge admirer of Villarreal boss Marcelino, who is out of contract in the summer. The Yellow Submarine currently sit fourth in LaLiga but endured a horrendous Champions League campaign.

Talks with the 60-year-old have already taken place, but he is not the only name under consideration. Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, also out of contract, is on Alemany's shortlist as well.

Of course, given Simeone's legendary status, he will not be unceremoniously sacked. He would be given a send-off befitting of his standing as one of the greatest personalities in the history of Atletico Madrid.

No final decision has been made at this stage, and Simeone is under contract until 2027, but succession planning is in full swing.

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