Simeone Weighs Atletico Future as Contract Enters Final Season

Atletico Madrid are approaching a pivotal stretch of the 2026-27 season while manager Diego Simeone faces an unresolved contract decision, with his current deal expiring at the end of the campaign. According to The Athletic on October 13, neither side has begun formal renewal negotiations, and both appear willing to assess the team's progress before deciding whether to extend their partnership.

Simeone, 56, took charge in December 2011 and has won eight major trophies, making him the most successful manager in Atletico's 113-year history. His honors include two La Liga titles, two Europa League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, a Copa del Rey and a Supercopa de Espana.

His reported annual salary is approximately €16.5 million, the highest at the club. His previous contract extension was agreed in November 2023, while his sister and longtime agent, Natalia, has yet to hold formal discussions with Atletico's leadership about a new deal.

The Athletic reported that a source close to the squad said the manager's future was not being discussed among the players. People close to Simeone declined to comment, and there has been no indication that the club is considering dismissing him.

Atletico's transformation under Simeone has been substantial. When he arrived, the club faced financial difficulties and played at the aging Vicente Calderon stadium. It now competes regularly in the Champions League and plays at the 70,000-seat Estadio Metropolitano, which is scheduled to host this season's final on June 5.

The club has committed approximately €470 million to player recruitment over the past three seasons, reflecting its ambitions to compete for major honors. Atletico also resisted Barcelona's interest in forward Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window despite reports that the Argentina international wanted to leave.

Atletico finished fourth in La Liga last season, 25 points behind champions Barcelona. The team eliminated Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals but lost to Arsenal in the semifinals. Atletico also defeated Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals before losing the final to Real Sociedad in a penalty shootout.

This season began with a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League on September 9. Simeone's side subsequently recorded four consecutive victories, including a 2-1 home win over Real Madrid before the international break and a 2-1 victory away to Deportivo Alaves. Those results left Atletico second in La Liga, five points behind Barcelona, according to The Athletic's October 13 report.

The squad has increasingly emphasized attacking options, including Alvarez, Jonathan David, Alexander Sorloth, Ademola Lookman and Alex Baena. The club has also pursued tactical changes, with former Atletico midfielder Gabi joining the coaching staff after longtime assistant Nelson Vivas departed during the summer.

Simeone's outstanding ambition remains winning the Champions League, the major trophy that has eluded him at Atletico. His team reached the final in 2014 and 2016 but lost both times to city rival Real Madrid, suffering defeats that continue to shape the club's European ambitions.

Atletico's closest previous approach to a managerial split came during the 2022-23 season, when the team exited the Champions League in the group stage and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin publicly discussed the possibility of appointing Luis Enrique. Simeone ultimately signed an extension in November 2023.

The club's immediate focus is its Champions League campaign and a demanding run of fixtures, including the visit of Manchester United, followed by home matches against Bayern Munich and Barcelona in November. The Athletic identified this period as an important test for the team as Atletico pursue qualification for the competition's knockout stages.