Los Rojiblancos lost Kieran Trippier in the current transfer window, after the right-back moved to Newcastle United.
Reports have emerged that Atleti have shortlisted Aston Villa defender Matty Cash as a potential replacement for Trippier, who joined the club in 2019 from Tottenham and had a solid tenure, as he was one of the key men behind the Colochoneros’ La Liga victory in the 2020/21 season.
The England international was one of the first names on the teamsheet for Atletico throughout his spell at Wanda Metropolitano but was rumoured to be on the move during the summer transfer window ahead of the season.
Initially, Manchester United were very close to signing Trippier, but disagreements with the Atletico board over the price tag meant that the deal fell through, and the right-back stayed at the Wanda Metropolitano.
However, Newcastle United were after the set-piece specialist, as they aim to strengthen their squad after their recent takeover and have added a few big signings, Trippier being the foremost. The Magpies approached Atletico for Trippier and completed the signing in close to no time, as the 30-year old made a return to the Premier League after more than two years in Spain.
Trippier’s absence leaves Atletico short of a first-choice right-back, where Diego Simeone is currently deploying seasoned veteran Sime Vrsaljko or superstar Marcos Llorente. The experienced Argentine coach has reportedly identified Aston Villa defender Matty Cash as a possible replacement for Trippier, who are both similar in a few key aspects.
Cash has been very good for Villa this season, after moving to Villa Park from Nottingham Forest in 2020. He has been very able on the ball going forward and also has the ability to track back and defend when required. He is an excellent crosser of the ball and delivers pinpoint crosses after dashing through to the flanks.
Cash, if Atleti manage to sign him, will perhaps be as perfect a replacement in terms of playstyle as they could find, as he can slot into the right wingback position that Simeone often employs.
However, with just one day remaining in the January transfer window, it is unlikely that Atletico will be able to sign the defender. In any case, reports suggest that the summer transfer window is the time when Atletico will push for the transfer.
