Atletico Madrid are preparing to offer Marcos Llorente a contract extension before the end of 2026 as they attempt to prevent the midfielder leaving on a free transfer in 2027.
Llorente’s current agreement with the Spanish club runs until the end of the 2026/27 campaign, and Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are understood to be monitoring his situation.
Renewal discussions are already under way, with Atletico Madrid and Llorente both keen to continue their relationship. The club’s intention is to secure the 31-year-old’s future before his contract enters its final months.
Llorente has become an important member of Diego Simeone’s squad since making the decisive move across the Spanish capital from Real Madrid in 2019. His arrival was regarded as a bold decision at the time, but he has since established himself as a key figure for Atletico Madrid.
The midfielder’s future has become a particular focus after he announced his decision to retire from Spain duty following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With his international career set to end, attention has turned to the next stage of his club career and whether it will remain at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Should an extension be completed, it would probably be the final contract of Llorente’s playing career. He has previously indicated that he does not intend to continue playing beyond the age of 35.
Llorente has made clear that his preference is to remain with Atletico Madrid rather than consider offers from elsewhere.
“I’m clear I want to stay at Atletico Madrid for more years. I’m happy in a place where I’m valued, and hopefully we can reach an agreement where everyone is valued,” he said.
“I’ve never been one to grandstand, but if I’m honest, I’d like to retire at Atletico Madrid.”
Atletico Madrid’s willingness to begin negotiations before the end of 2026 reflects the importance of retaining the midfielder, while the interest from clubs in England and Germany provides Llorente with potential alternatives if an agreement cannot be reached.
For now, both sides are working towards a renewal that would keep him in Madrid beyond the expiry of his existing deal and potentially allow him to finish his career with the club.