Borussia Dortmund starJulian Brandt is reportedly being targeted by Atletico Madrid this summer as the German international is set to depart Signal Iduna Park.
A talismanic figure in their squad, Brandt's contract with the Black and Yellows expires in July 2026 and the parties have mutually agreed not to renew it.
The 29-year-old will thereby become a free agent and will be available to potential suitors on a Bosman, with Los Rojiblancos eyeing a move for him to Madrid.
Diego Simeone's side sees him as a possible candidate to replace their own outgoing talisman, Antoine Griezmann, who is all set to join MLS side Orlando City this summer.
The Frenchman has been the beating heart for Atletico with his playmaking skills and blistering goalscoring feats and his departure will leave a massive void in that position.
Brandt is reportedly identified as someone who could step into that role, having fulfilled the same with aplomb at Dortmund right since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019.
According to MARCA duo David Medina and Isaac Suarez, Atletico Madrid are in fact leading the race for his signatures as their sporting director Mateu Alemany is pushing a move for him.
Premier League leaders Arsenal, who face the capital side in the Champions League semi-finals next week, are reportedly monitoring Brandt too.
A right-footed attacker adept at operating from the midfield as well as the wing, the Germany international has scored 11 goals in all competitions for Dortmund this season.
It includes seven in the Bundesliga from 25 appearances, another three in the Champions League, a testament that he can deliver even on the special nights.
Additionally, he has also registered three assists - all coming in the Bundesliga.
But if you take a closer look, Brandt's stock has declined since helping Dortmund reach the Champions League final in 2024.
The player has not only dealt a few injury concerns but appeared inconsistent and has lately lost his place in the starting XI too with Brandt largely making substitute appearances.
While there's no denying his quality, replacing Griezmann could be a big task. He is Atletico's all-time top-scorer and one of their best ever players.
To replace him means to be able to score more often for Brandt, whose personal best in a single campaign has been 12 goals, registering back in 2017-18 with Bayer Leverkusen.
Nonetheless, having him on the books would still be a boon for Atletico in some ways.
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