Atletico Madrid eye Hugo Bueno to strengthen the left-back position

Atlético de Madrid

El Atlético de Madrid continúa pendiente del mercado de fichajes y one of the names that would have appeared on the agenda of the rojiblanco sporting directorate is that of Hugo Bueno, the Spanish left-back at Wolverhampton.

According to the transfer specialist journalist Ekrem Konur, the Madrid club would be considering Hugo Bueno as a possible addition after the departure of Matteo Ruggeri. The same source adds that Wolverhampton could be willing to negotiate his exit for a figure close to 15 million pounds.

Along with Atletico Madrid, Konur says that Fiorentina, Newcastle United and PSV Eindhoven are also interested in securing the services of the Spanish player.

Atletico look for alternatives after Ruggeri's exit

The move takes on particular significance after the confirmation of Matteo Ruggeri's move to Aston Villa. The Italian full-back leaves Atletico Madrid after just one season as a rojiblanco, creating a vacancy on the left side of the squad.

The Atlético already strengthened that position during this transfer window with Alejandro Grimaldo, who is expected to play an important role in Diego Pablo Simeone's plans. The possible arrival of Hugo Bueno would increase competition and give the Argentine coach another natural option at left-back or the left channel.

Hugo Bueno, a full-back with experience in the Premier League and Champions League

At 23 years old, Hugo Bueno has built up significant experience in European football. Trained in the youth ranks of Wolverhampton, during the 2024/25 season he played on loan at Feyenoord, where he was able to feature in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League.

After returning to England, the Spanish player increased his prominence with the Wolves notably in the 2025/26 season. He took part in 35 Premier League matches, amassing more than 2,300 minutes of action and also contributing in attack.

Wolverhampton's relegation to the Championship could now open the door to a potential change of scenery. Hugo Bueno continues to take part normally in the English club's pre-season, although his name is starting to be linked with several major European football clubs.

Wolverhampton have the strength to negotiate

In any case, the deal will not depend solely on the player's wishes. Hugo Bueno is under contract with Wolverhampton until June 2028, after extending his deal with the English club in November 2023.

This situation allows the Wolves to maintain a strong position in any potential negotiation, although relegation could make it easier for some of their most highly valued players to leave.

An interesting option also for Fantasy

For now, there is no formal offer from Atletico Madrid publicly on record, and it will be necessary to check whether the interest flagged by Ekrem Konur ends up turning into talks between the clubs.

From a sporting point of view, Hugo Bueno offers a different profile to Grimaldo: he is a young full-back with experience, physical ability and also experience playing as a winger, traits that could fit the different structures used by Simeone.

His possible arrival at Atletico would also be particularly interesting for Fantasy purposes. If the signing were to go through, his initial price would need to be assessed and, above all, the distribution of minutes with Grimaldo at the rojiblanco left-back position.

?#AtleticoMadrid Atletico Madrid are considering Hugo Bueno as a replacement for Matteo Ruggeri.

? The Championship side could sell him for around £15M.

? Fiorentina, Newcastle United and PSV are also interested in the Spanish left?back. https://t.co/5VC0Cdaics pic.twitter.com/tUMssxIgV2

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) August 20, 2026