Atlético: Simeone is already seeing new signings ahead of Madrid derby

Atlético Madrid head into the derby against Real Madrid feeling that Diego Simeone’s “build” is already turning into on-pitch output. According to Mundo Deportivo, the team’s summer spending of 125 million euros is showing up not just on paper: in defensive stability, attacking threat and midfield balance.

Osasuna rout sets the tone

That message comes after Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Osasuna, where the side still produced a strong performance despite rotations. Team captain Koke Resurrección said it in comments to Movistar: “We’ve brought in people with a lot of standing… we have a really strong group… that’s what we have to look for.” He also stressed how well the newcomers are adapting, adding: when you join a new team it’s not easy, and they’re doing it well.

The goals came from Jonathan David and Kang-in Lee, with Robin Le Normand and Álex Baena also scoring. The assists went to Alejandro Grimaldo and to David, reinforcing the idea that the new signings are already interlocking.

Five arrivals, defined roles

Mundo Deportivo frames the five new signings as key pieces with immediate returns, even if not everyone has the same level of impact yet. Kang-in Lee stands out for quick contribution: he netted in his first matchday against Málaga, set up a goal versus Sevilla, and scored again versus Osasuna—also playing all his games, starting six.

Defensively, Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero is presented as the kind of steadiness Simeone had been targeting. The article notes his transition into the starting XI has been gradual, now looking consolidated as an indispensable option. In attack, Jonathan David brings goals and added competition—crucial with injuries to Sorloth and Julián Alvarez mentioned in the text.

Finally, Morten Hjulmand is described as the midfield “balance” Atlético wanted, already in the starting picture, while Grimaldo rounds out the attacking side. The derby will be the real test: can this momentum carry over against a top-level opponent like Real Madrid in the seventh league matchday, Mundo Deportivo points out.