Atletico were all too happy to terminate Costa s contract in December. The 32-year-old struggled to stay fit during his second spell with the club, scoring just 12 league goals in three-and-a-half seasons. Now, Atletico have to ask themselves if they can sustain a title challenge without a backup for Luis Suarez. Marcos Llorente has done an admirable job in a makeshift supporting role, and Joao Felix remains an attacking threat, but Real Sociedad s Willian Jose would offer a neat solution off the bench. The only problem is his €70-million release clause.
Barcelona
Realistic targets: None
Barcelona lack the funds to make a significant move in January s transfer window. They lost €300 million due to the pandemic and needed the players to defer a large chunk of their salaries. Barcelona s presidential elections also take place on Jan. 24, and the results could drastically alter the team s future. Carles Tusquets, the club s interim president, doesn t have the authority to make ex