Keys to a Successful 2016 January Transfer Window for Atletico Madrid

The January transfer window is open, and Atletico Madrid haven't been shy in taking advantage of it quickly, bringing in two new faces to boost the squad.

Los Colchoneros are top of La Liga after 18 matches, albeit ahead of a Barcelona side with a game in hand. They are also into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League and, having been drawn against struggling Rayo Vallecano, look to have a reasonable passage through to the next round of the Copa del Rey; in short, they have lots to fight for this season and need a strong squad to end it successfully.

There probably isn't too much Diego Simeone's side can do in January, but one or two pieces of business still need to be taken care of to ensure the transfer window is a success in laying the platform to challenge for silverware between now and May.

Midfield Business Taken Care Of

Tiago's injury and the late-summer sale of Raul Garcia perhaps left Atleti too light in numbers and experience for Simeone's liking.

Matias Kranevitter was already signed up and ready to join now in January after seeing out the calendar year with River Plate in Argentina so he could take part in the FIFA Club World Cup—he's now training and available for selection at Atletico.

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"I trust in myself greatly." Augusto Fernández tells us his first impressions as an Atlético. #GoAtleti https://t.co/9JCuqSonGE

— Atleti English (@atletienglish) January 3, 2016"

Added to the midfield options is Augusto Fernandez, formerly of Celta Vigo and an astute signing at low cost—reported to be around €6.5 million. He will provide a destructive force in the centre of the park, plenty of aggression and no shortage of quality on the ball.

With Saul and Thomas both making an impact recently, the centre of the park is sorted.

Offload to Balance?

Atletico won't want to lose any first-choice performers, that much is obvious, but there might be the opportunity to manage their finances by letting a bit-part player depart the club.

Six members of the squad have played less than 700 minutes this term, but it's likely only one of them is considered expendable: Guilherme Siqueira. The back-up left-back has only featured six times, with Filipe Luis very much in place as first choice. Recently when Luis was suspended, Siqueira still didn't get a look-in—Jesus Gamez played instead.

JAVIER SORIANO/Getty Images

Add in the fact Lucas Hernandez can cover at left-back too, and there's no standout reason to keep Siqueira at the club. As reported by Football Italia, he almost left in the summer, and it's probable that if there is an offer that would net Atleti a reasonable fee, he would be allowed to leave.

Keep Griezmann, Decide on Jackson

Not too many Atletico stars have been linked with moves away, certainly not compared to most summers, when the likes of Diego Godin and Koke can frequently be found in the gossip columns, but Antoine Griezmann has certainly been suggested as a possible departure.

It would take a huge offer for Atletico to ever let him go, but even then it's highly unlikely he would be offloaded midseason—but the possibility is still there nonetheless. Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea have both been linked with moves for him.

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Avoid a departure for Griezmann and it would seem the only point to decide on in the attack is what to do with Jackson Martinez.

The Colombian simply hasn't hit the form expected of him since his summer arrival and has missed six weeks with injury lately too; there are flashes he might be the forward Atleti need when he pulls wide and looks to link up with the oncoming midfielders, but inside the penalty area, he simply doesn't look dangerous.

It's improbable Jackson will depart the Vicente Calderon already, but Chelsea have also been linked with Atleti's No. 11.

It really looks as though the majority of Atletico's business has been done in the early stages of the transfer window. If they keep the squad together and the young attacking talents at the club continue to progress, it could end up being a very exciting finale indeed.

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