Atletico Madrid have not even begun the conversation in public, yet the direction is already clear. The club intend to extend Diego Simeone's contract beyond its current expiry date of 30 June 2027, and the man himself is said to feel the same way. It is the kind of story that barely counts as news at most clubs. At Atletico it matters, because the coach and the club have been tied together for the best part of fifteen years.
Why a deal looks close
The reporting comes from AS, and the line attributed to the Madrid daily is blunt: "Simeone wants to stay, the club, in principle, also and the agreement should not pose a major problem for all parties." Simeone has been linked with the Argentina national team and with clubs in Serie A, but nothing in the latest reports suggests his head has been turned. He remains committed to the Madrid project.
Atletico's own view, according to internal sources, is that he is essential to the club's long-term sporting direction. They also believe he still carries the same hunger and energy he brought on his first days in the dugout. His last renewal was signed in 2023, so this would be the next step in a very long run.
A long road since La Rosaleda
Simeone arrived in late 2011 and took charge of his first match at La Rosaleda in January 2012. Few modern managers can point to a stretch like that with a single club. Negotiations are expected to take place during the international breaks or over the Christmas period, with an announcement possible in the winter months.
The squad he has to rebuild around
The contract is only part of the picture. Antoine Griezmann's departure has left a void that the staff are working to fill, and the squad as a whole is still finding its rhythm after a recent overhaul. Marcos Llorente's contract situation also needs attention. Bayern Munich are monitoring his availability, although he is said to prefer staying put.
My reading is that the club would rather settle the manager's future before dealing with the harder questions on the pitch. A coach who knows his position can build with more confidence. If the talks do go as smoothly as AS suggests, Atletico will head into the second half of the season with one big question already answered.
Contract facts: Diego Simeone's current Atletico Madrid deal runs to 30 June 2027. He took over in late 2011, managed his first match at La Rosaleda in January 2012, and last renewed in 2023. Source reporting: AS, via Goal.com, 5 October 2026.
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