Thiago Almada's arrival sparks Atletico Madrid's non-EU dilemma

The Argentine's arrival has created an overload of non-EU players, forcing sporting director Carlos Bucero to find a solution by freeing up one of the non-EU spots currently held by Samuel Lino, Conor Gallagher, or Nahuel Molina. This issue has become a top priority for the club, and fans are eagerly watching how the situation unfolds.

Samuel Lino's name stands out as the most likely to depart. The young Brazilian, despite a breakout campaign last season, has struggled for consistency this term. With Alex Baena and Almada set to compete for minutes in his position, Atletico believe Lino's market value remains strong enough to generate a significant transfer fee.

"Lino's potential is undeniable, but his role has diminished with new arrivals," said a source close to the club.

Despite interest from Nottingham Forest, Lino, contracted until 2027, has yet to make a move, seemingly content to wait for the right opportunity or fight for his place under Diego Simeone.

Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, faces a trickier situation. Labelled as transferable, the Englishman's market is largely limited to the Premier League, with Newcastle United among the clubs monitoring him. Atletico invested 40 million euros in Gallagher last summer, and any potential transfer would need to recoup that fee.

"Gallagher's not a guaranteed starter, so he's open to exploring options back home," a club insider has said. However, his departure would depend on a suitable offer, making his exit less straightforward than Lino's.

Nahuel Molina, the third non-EU player, remains the most secure. Despite losing his starting spot to Marcos Llorente, the World Cup winner retains Simeone's confidence and is determined to succeed at Atletico. "Molina's fully committed to the project and brings a lot to the dressing room," Simeone has said. His bond with compatriot Julian Alvarez, strengthened by the arrival of Almada, adds to his value.

Crucially, Molina is set to gain EU status in January, freeing up his non-EU spot. "That's a game-changer for our planning," Bucero has said, though incoming offers could still alter the club's strategy.

As the transfer window progresses, Atletico's balancing act will be closely scrutinised. The club's supporters are active on X, with some expressing excitement over Thiago Almada's flair but concern about losing key players.

For now, Atletico have time to resolve their dilemma, but the clock is ticking.