Atlético Madrid: What’s Next in July 2025

Atlético Madrid's journey at the FIFA Club World Cup came to an end in mid‑June, finishing second in Group B behind Paris Saint‑Germain. They recorded a 2–1 win over Botafogo (June 23), but fell 4–0 to PSG (June 15) and 2–1 to Seattle Sounders (June 19), thus missing out on the knockout phase :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Following the early elimination, players are set to return to pre‑season training in mid‑July. Diego Simeone is expected to hold a training camp in Madrid before the team embarks on international friendlies—including participation in the Sela Cup (men’s and women’s teams) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

The La Liga fixtures for 2025–26 will be released on July 1, with the campaign starting around August 16–17. Atlético will reconnect with domestic rivals and aim to improve on their previous season's finish :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Atlético Madrid continue reshaping their squad:

• Matteo Ruggeri (22, Atalanta) is a done deal on a five‑year contract (≈€20 million) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Johnny Cardoso (23, Real Betis) agreed in principle for ≈€30 million; deal delayed until July to clear Spurs’ buy‑option clause :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Álex Baena has also joined, part of a summer investment already hitting ≈€100 million by July 1 :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Cristian “Cuti” Romero remains a major target with Tottenham asking £70 million (€80m) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Conor Gallagher may be pushed out to fund a move for Barcelona’s Fermin López :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Departures include:

• César Azpilicueta, Reinildo and Witsel: contracts expired June 30 :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Saúl Ñíguez: returned from loan and immediately listed for permanent sale :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Rodrigo De Paul: club seeking sale (contract ends in 2026) to finance new midfield signings; Italy (Inter/Milan) showing interest :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

Details are emerging:

• A friendly match in the Sela Cup is scheduled for early July :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Additional international friendlies will likely follow to prepare the squad for La Liga.

Estadio Metropolitano continues to be busy with non‑football events in July. While specific football fixtures are pending confirmation, several concerts and community events are already lined up, contributing additional hosting logistics into the mix.

Atlético Madrid’s July goals include:

1. Finalizing arrivals, especially Romero and Cardoso.
2. Completing outgoings to balance the squad and payroll.
3. Launching a strong pre‑season with friendlies and tournament performance.
4. Maintaining revenue flow through stadium events.