Atletico Madrid Plotting Move for Out-of-Favour Serie A Defender

LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Napoli defender Mathias Olivera.

The left-back has fallen out of favour under Antonio Conte and is open to joining a new project.

Olivera to Atletico is one of the several LaLiga transfers that could materialise in January. Reports suggest Atleti could also try to sign an attacker in the coming weeks.

Atletico Madrid Considering Mathias Olivera Transfer

Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are in the market for a defensively sound left-back. The club from the Spanish capital have struggled to command that area of the pitch, with Matteo Ruggeri failing to achieve consistency.

Atletico are looking for a low-cost option to bolster one of the team’s weakest positions in recent seasons in the January transfer window. And according to Fichajes.net, Mathias Olivera has emerged as a standout on Los Colchoneros’ wishlist.

Olivera is well acquainted with the demands of LaLiga, thanks to his time with Getafe. Atletico believe he would not take much time to acclimatise and offer the team much-needed intensity, consistency, and defensive solidity.

After winning almost everything available to him for club and country so far, Julian Alvarez still hasn’t won a trophy with Atletico Madrid pic.twitter.com/QnQFSvJhwm

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 8, 2026

His prior experience in LaLiga is one of the key reasons why Atleti are plotting for a move.

Olivera played 111 matches for Getafe between the 2017/18 and 2021/22 seasons, scoring two goals and providing seven assists.

During his time, the Uruguay international established himself as a formidable force in one-on-one duels. He held his own against some of the most talented attackers in the division.

Simeone believes Olivera perfectly fits into his tactics and greatly values his defensive commitment and competitiveness.

Napoli No Longer Relying on Olivera

Olivera has seen his situation deteriorate in recent weeks. Coach Antonio Conte has reshuffled the order, restricting Olivera to sporadic appearances.

In 19 possible games in Serie A, Olivera has only featured in 11, starting only six of those matches. He has played only for 15 minutes in his last four matches, as he was kept on the bench in three.

Conte reportedly does not fully trust Olivera to serve as an important piece of his project, opening the door to a potential exit.

Mathías Olivera suma cinco partidos seguidos sin minutos en Napoli, todos desde el banco.

Una situación que empieza a preocupar, más en año mundialista y con la temporada entrando en su tramo más importante.

Perdió peso en la consideración de Antonio Conte. pic.twitter.com/zitLoNAaHV

— Bruno Piñeyro (@brunogpa_0) January 12, 2026

Napoli are not in a hurry to sell the player. However, they are prepared to sell if they receive a convincing offer. They need to raise funds to buy players better suited to Conte’s system.

As for the player, he would reportedly welcome a move back to LaLiga. He admires Simeone and believes he could enhance his game and help him assume a leadership role.

According to Transfermarkt, Olivera is worth €18 million. However, since he has a long-term contract with the Italian side (June 2030), Atletico Madrid may have to pay a little over the market price to seal the move.