Atletico Madrid faces a contract crossroads: five key players, including Koke and Marcos Llorente, are entering the final year of their deals, which end in the summer of 2027. With the season underway and the league nearing its climax, the club must choose between renewal, sale, or letting them leave for free.

Who are the players at risk?

Koke Resurrección, the historic captain with 740 appearances, has just signed a one‑year extension, yet his future remains uncertain. Thomas Lemar returns from a Girona loan plagued by injuries and, despite arriving for €72 million in 2018, the club is looking to move him before next summer. Marcos Llorente, 31, still powers the side and is on the renewal list to avoid losing him without compensation.

What about the recent arrivals?

Nahuel Molina, Argentina's starting right‑back and a World Cup star, has a contract that expires in 2027. Inter Milan has shown interest, but Atletico Madrid will not accept less than €30 million. Horațiu Moldovan comes back from a sparse loan at Oviedo; Polish and Turkish clubs have already inquired, and the club wants to decide his fate before the transfer window closes.

How does this impact the team's performance?

The club sits 4th in La Liga with 69 points after 21 wins, 6 draws and 11 losses in 38 games, and carries a recent form of L‑W‑W‑L‑W. With 62 goals scored and 44 conceded, the goal difference is +18, yet the 5‑1 loss to Villarreal on 24‑05‑2026 highlights defensive frailties that could worsen if any of these players depart.

What are Simeone's options?

Diego Pablo Simeone has three clear paths: negotiate extensions before summer, sell at a good price to boost the squad, or let contracts run out and free up the wage bill. The pressure is higher with the title race 25 points behind Barcelona; any unexpected exit could complicate reinforcement plans before the window shuts.

What can we expect in the near future?

The coming months will be decisive. If Koke decides to retire, the club loses its on‑field leader and locker‑room figure. Lemar and Moldovan could become quick cash sources, while Molina and Llorente are pieces Simeone would rather keep. No official statements have been released yet, but media reports suggest negotiations are already underway.