Atletico Madrid is closely monitoring Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (28).
According to a report by the Spanish media 'Relevo,' soccer journalist Mateo Moreto noted on the 23rd (Korean time) that "Atletico Madrid is focusing on Bentancur to reinforce their midfield."
Uruguayan midfielder Bentancur left Juventus in 2022 to join the Premier League, donning a Tottenham jersey. He is an all-around midfielder equipped with strong stamina and balanced offensive and defensive skills, capable of Chonbang pressing, evading pressure, and delivering forward passes.
With flexible ball control and evasion skills, he can manage stable gameplay not only in short passing but also in fast-paced counterattack situations. However, during defense, his reckless approach often results in many fouls, and there are evaluations that his ability to lead creative passes or attacks is somewhat lacking.
He could not avoid controversy. In June of last year, Bentancur faced fierce criticism for racist comments targeting Son Heung-min while appearing on a Uruguayan broadcasting program. The remarks mocked Asians, and the Football Association (FA) ultimately imposed a suspension of seven matches along with a fine of £100,000 (approximately 176 million won).
After the incident, Bentancur publicly apologized through social media, and Son Heung-min also emphasized their bond as teammates by stating, "He acknowledged his mistake, and I have forgiven him."
Soccer fans and public opinion still find it hard to easily accept his comments. The FA also deemed it as a racist act and made a formal disciplinary decision. Bentancur denied the charges until the end, but the independent Commissioner determined that his actions violated the regulations.
Amidst this situation, news has emerged that Atletico Madrid is showing interest in Bentancur. Reporter Moreto said, "Atletico is currently targeting defenders and central midfielders, but in reality, they aim to complement the overall squad."
He also added, "Antoine Griezmann is contemplating a possible transfer to the MLS after the season, so there may be changes in the attacking line. They may need resources to replace him."
Currently, the resource that Atletico is particularly interested in is Bentancur, who has participated in 32 official matches for Tottenham this season. Although it is not yet at the stage of serious negotiations, the Spanish club is reportedly starting behind-the-scenes contact in mind of the summer transfer market.
Meanwhile, Moreto reported another transfer-related story. He stated, "The link between Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Real Madrid remains valid. April is expected to be a significant turning point for his future, and Real still prioritizes his acquisition."
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