Atletico Madrid target Sergi Cardona to strengthen left-back options

Atletico Madrid are preparing a move for Villarreal left-back Sergi Cardona as Diego Simeone looks to add cover ahead of the January transfer window.

The club have identified their priorities for the second half of the 2026/27 campaign after spending around €130 million during the summer on several new signings, including Spain international Alex Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen.

Grimaldo has quickly established himself as Atletico Madrid’s first-choice left-back and has already scored four goals. However, Simeone wants two reliable players for every position in his squad and is seeking further competition in the role.

According to reports from Marca, Atletico Madrid will not renew their pursuit of Argentina international Nicolas Tagliafico after missing out on him twice. Instead, their attention has turned to Cardona.

Cardona’s contract with Villarreal expires in June, meaning Atletico Madrid could potentially secure his departure in January for a relatively low transfer fee.

The 200-plus appearances he has made across the top two tiers of Spanish football with Las Palmas and Villarreal are also understood to have strengthened his appeal as an experienced option for Simeone’s squad.