Madrid’s Surprising Target: Atlético Madrid Pursues Marcus Leonardo from Al Hilal

Transfer Watch: Atletico Madrid eye Marcus Leonardo on loan from Al Hilal

In a surprising late move, Atletico Madrid are pursuing a winter loan to sign Marcus Leonardo from Al Hilal as the January window closes.

Journalist Matteo Morito posted on X that the Spanish giants have set their sights on the Brazilian striker, with negotiations reportedly progressing and positions aligning.

Sources indicate discussions between the two clubs have advanced, with the aim of a loan agreement in January. Al Hilal, meanwhile, are exploring options to clear space for a new striker during the current window.

Leonardo’s track record and potential replacement

Leonardo arrived at Al Hilal in summer 2024 and has appeared 67 times across competitions, scoring 43 goals and providing 5 assists.

He delivered his best form at the 2025 Club World Cup, scoring four goals in five matches and helping Al Hilal reach the quarterfinals against Manchester City before a loss to Fluminense.

The Saudi side are reportedly eyeing a move for Rennes forward Kader Meité as a potential winter addition, should Leonardo move elsewhere.

Meité’s name has been floated as part of a broader bid to refresh Al Hilal’s attack, with Meité having showcased goal threat in Ligue 1 with Rennes.

Leonardo’s prospective departure would mark a notable shift for Atlético’s January strategy, which has increasingly leaned on loan deals to refresh the squad’s front line.

Punchline 1: If this loan lands, Atlético will finally have a striker who can actually find the net—without needing a treasure map to the back of the net.

Punchline 2: If it doesn’t happen, well, January transfers are like a flock of pigeons in a stadium: loud, chaotic, and somehow you still leave with more questions than goals.