Snatched from Monaco for nearly 70 million euros in 2018, Thomas Lemar still does not arrive on the side of Atlético. In two seasons in Madrid, the Frenchman lost his place in the France team and even in Diego Simeone’s starting lineup.
After considering a departure during the summer transfer window, the 24-year-old attacking midfielder must revive and his coach has him clearly made known during the international break according to the Spanish newspaper AS.
A frank discussion with Simeone
Not summoned by Didier Deschamps for the three matches of the Blues against Ukraine (7-1), Portugal (0-0) and Croatia, Thomas Lemar remained in the capital of Madrid to work with “Cholo” Simeone and the others non-international. From the first collective session, the Argentinian coach took the former Monegasque aside to try to create an electric shock while confirming that he would have his chance this season.
Since the start of the 2020-2021 campaign, the left-hander trained in Caen has contented himself with only 13 minutes in League before waxing the bench. If he wants to play, the tricolor world champion will therefore have to fight for opportunities. Otherwise, the Spanish club could choose to part ways.
An inevitable departure in January?
And it’s not for lack of trying during the summer. Anxious to get rid of a flop, the management of the Colchoneros tried to find an exit door to the international tricolor (22 selections). Several Bundesliga clubs such as Leverkusen, Leipzig or even Bayern Munich have inquired about his situation without making a concrete offer during a transfer window upset by the crisis linked to the coronavirus.
In the Premier League, Wolverhampton seemed interested in his profile without going any further. It was finally FC Porto which seemed close to recruiting him in the last days of the transfer window via a loan. In vain. Thomas Lemar will have to fight to show himself and win his place on the field at Atlético. Otherwise, the Frenchman’s name should again be on the start list.
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