What Does Atletico Madrid's Striker Reshuffling Mean for Fernando Torres?
Atletico Madrid, as defending La Liga champions, failed to meet lofty expectations many set for them in 2014/15. Scoring less, conceding more and collecting a dozen fewer points than in 2013/14, Diego Simeone's side have elected to revamp their attacking order this summer.
Searching for their Diego Costa replacement last year, the Mario Mandzukic experiment has abruptly ended—with the Croatian moving to Juventus for €19/£13.6 million, per BBC Sport. In response (not saving the Italians' money), Atletico swiftly announced the signing of Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto—costing a reported €21/£15 million, via Eurosport.
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The reworking of just under £30 million would appear healthy business for one week, but the Spanish champions once removed are—according to the Daily Mail's James Andrew—not finished buying centre-forwards.
Jackson Martinez (the much-coveted Colombian "No. 9") has reportedly accepted a move from FC Porto after Madrid agreed "to meet the €35/£25 million buy-out clause." Martinez is not a signing for the future; the 28-year-old would expect to start regularly—as his age, price tag and quality demand such treatment.
With all the commotion in Atleti's attacking ranks—many will focus on their outgoing and incoming transfers, but what about strikers prepared to survive the summer?
Raul Jimenez appeared in 26 matches for Simeone last season, but 85 percent of those appearances (22) were substitutes; new additions should force the Mexican international to look for first-team opportunities elsewhere (whether through loan or permanent transfer).
Conversely, the star of Madrid's forward line is Antoine Griezmann—who directly contributed to 23 goals in 37 La Liga matches in 2014/15. A wanted man by Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, per the Daily Express' Ben Jefferson, their interest is not difficult to pinpoint.
Able to play as a centre-forward, trequartista, wide-forward, winger or central-attacking midfielder, the 24-year-old Frenchman has the versatility, pace and clinical nature required for any league and every competition. Griezmann's ability to play everywhere bodes well as Martinez and (possibly) Vietto look for spots in Atletico's 4-4-2.
Less versatile, older but still the most intriguing component of Madrid's recent "No. 9" merry-go-round is now-veteran centre-forward Fernando Torres.
Transferred from Atletico, to Liverpool, to Chelsea, to AC Milan then back to Atletico (costing at least £76.5 million in transfer fees over eight seasons), the 31-year-old Spanish international has returned to his boyhood club and been received with open arms—a "prodigal son" if ever one existed in contemporary world football.
Assuming Madrid believe they have strengthened their striking options, even adding another to the stable, how Simeone views his on-loan striker (and Atleti legend) heading into the 2015/16 campaign should be a curious side project for those interested.
More importantly, however, is how Torres, himself, sees the changing landscape: Is the Spaniard viewing an open door or one closing?
If the latter, come season's end—when El Nino's contract expires—Milan and Madrid will elect not to extend his deal and "Torres to insert Major League Soccer club" reports will surely be found scattered across the Internet.
Yet, should the 31-year-old view change as an opportunity to pounce on possible inexperience, uncomfortably and despondence from his counterparts, he could play an important role in Atletico's quest to regain domestic honours.
Torres has fallen into established striking setups ever since leaving Liverpool; dethroning Didier Drogba at Chelsea was always going to be an impossible task and it sent his Blues' career into squaller.
2015/16 may represent the first time since 2010/11 Liverpool where Torres has a legitimate chance to effect change at a club (and with a manager) that wants him.
Whether the former Ballon d'Or finalist is capable of playing to his lofty standard can only be answered by time, but—with all the moving and shaking Atletico Madrid have done to their strike force—an older head may be exactly what Simeone requires to bring about relative calm.
Torres certainly has the experience, 2015/16 will determine if he has the mettle.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
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