Sofia Quijada
Atlético Madrid are preparing for a change at right-back as Nahuel Molina edges closer to the exit door. The Argentine defender has struggled to maintain form following a promising debut season, and club insiders suggest the decision to move him on is both tactical and administrative.
Molina initially impressed after the 2022 Qatar World Cup, clocking over 3,700 minutes that season under Diego Simeone. But since then, his influence has dipped, prompting the manager to lean more on the ever-versatile Marcos Llorente to cover the right flank.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Atlético have already identified Osasuna’s Jesús Areso as Molina’s replacement. Discussions are accelerating behind the scenes, with the Madrid side looking to finalize a deal that would simultaneously open up a non-EU player slot — critical to registering Thiago Almada, their high-profile summer signing.
Molina is contracted until 2027, meaning any move would likely be a permanent transfer, though the possibility of a loan remains on the table. Villarreal has emerged as the frontrunner, reportedly searching for a dynamic full-back with a similar profile to Molina.
For Atlético, this isn’t just about switching players — it’s about squad optimization, foreign quota management, and preparing for a demanding campaign ahead. As the summer window heats up, expect Molina’s future to be one of the next key dominos to fall.