Diego Simeone has reportedly given the green light for Atletico Madrid to sign Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas, beating out Barcelona and Manchester United in the race for the 19-year-old left-back. According to Catalan publication El Nacional, Atletico are now the serious frontrunners for Salinas, who has a €16m (£13.7m) release clause in his contract.
Salinas' Breakout Season and Growing Interest
Salinas enjoyed an outstanding season in the Spanish Segunda Division last term, helping his boyhood club Racing secure promotion back to La Liga for the first time since 2012. His performances have attracted attention from top European clubs, with Manchester United reportedly placing him on their shortlist as they seek a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw.
United are understood to be 'very serious' about Salinas after being forced to divert attention away from primary target Lewis Hall, whom Newcastle have made clear is not for sale. Barcelona have also been circling, following Joao Cancelo's return to Al-Hilal after a six-month loan spell at Camp Nou.
Atletico's Pursuit and Simeone's Approval
El Nacional reports that Atletico are 'aiming to become Salinas' most likely destination' as they search for a long-term replacement for Matteo Ruggeri, who is rumoured to be on the verge of a £17m move to Aston Villa. Simeone has 'given the move the go-ahead' and believes the teenager 'fits what he needs' – a full-back with 'energy, defensive aggression and an ability to join the attack'.
Atletico are in a position to offer Salinas regular first-team minutes and are actively working to 'prevent other clubs from entering the operation with force'.
Racing's Stance and Contract Details
Racing manager Jose Alberto has brushed off speculation, insisting Salinas and Gustavo Puerta remain committed to the club. 'Their professionalism doesn't surprise me,' Alberto told reporters. 'What surprises me is that people are constantly talking about the departure of two of our players, when they have contracts and are our players.'
Alberto added: 'They're very important to us. I don't want them to leave. And they show every day that they don't either. But we know how this world works and there are release clauses. If a team comes along and pays the clause, they cease to be our players.'
Racing sporting director Chema Aragon was less convincing, conceding: 'There's little you can do if a giant appears. We value the assets we have, we consider them important. For the club, at this time, there is no other option than to try to strengthen the team and not weaken it by losing stars. The reality is that the club that wants him has to come along with an offer.'
Aragon continued: 'Hopefully he stays. It would be our dream. We're going to try everything we can to make it happen, just like we did in the winter with Gustavo Puerta. But it's also true that if significant offers come in, it will be more complicated.'
Salinas' current contract with Racing runs through to June 2029. His performances at the European Under-19 Championship, where Spain triumphed, have further boosted his profile. With Atletico now leading the chase, the coming weeks will determine whether Racing can hold onto their star defender or if a release clause will trigger his departure.
