Cañizares drops Atleti transfer hint: Mateu's been working since November
Former Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares has suggested Atlético Madrid's sporting director has been quietly negotiating for a key target since late 2023.
Former Spain international goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares has revealed that Atlético Madrid’s sporting director Mateu Alemany has been quietly working on a significant transfer since November, potentially setting up a summer move rather than a January panic buy.
Mateu Alemany: The real star signing
In his regular appearance on Radio MARCA’s ‘Despierta San Francisco’ show, Cañizares offered a robust defence of Alemany’s cautious approach in the transfer market, suggesting the patience will pay dividends for Atleti supporters.
“Mal del todo no puede ser. Donde ha estado, el club ha crecido,” Cañizares stated about Alemany’s track record, pointing to his successful spells at Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona where he:
- Secured sporting autonomy for the clubs
- Delivered trophies
- Significantly increased squad values
The former goalkeeper explained that Alemany’s conservative stance in the current window is entirely strategic. Rather than splashing the cash on risky signings, he’s hunting for value and certainty - a proper Bobby Dazzler of a sporting director, if you ask me.
No beef with Cholo
Cañizares was quick to downplay any supposed tension between Alemany and manager Diego Simeone. He characterised their different perspectives as completely normal in football’s ecosystem:
- Managers naturally want immediate reinforcements
- Sporting directors bear the responsibility when expensive signings flop
- Alemany prefers bargains over €10m+ gambles without guarantees
The former Valencia man assured Atlético fans that if signings don’t arrive this January, they’ll “definitely come in summer, but with much more certainty” - suggesting Alemany has been laying groundwork for months rather than rushing into panic buys.
Madrid musings
Cañizares also offered his thoughts on Real Madrid’s coaching situation, highlighting Álvaro Arbeloa as someone who understands the unique challenge of managing the Bernabéu dressing room.
He emphasized that Madrid’s next manager doesn’t need tactical complexity but rather the ability to keep world-class players motivated and committed - a different kettle of fish compared to Alemany’s methodical squad building at Atleti.
For Atlético supporters, the suggestion that Alemany has been negotiating with a target since November offers an intriguing glimpse into the club’s long-term planning. The summer window might just be when we see the fruits of this behind-the-scenes grafting.