Atletico Madrid are preparing to allow midfielder Obed Vargas to leave on loan, with Getafe close to completing an agreement before the LaLiga transfer window closes on 1 September.
The Mexico international is expected to spend the 2026-27 season at Getafe after the two clubs agreed the terms of a temporary move. The deal will not include a binding option for Getafe to buy Vargas permanently, meaning Atletico Madrid will retain control of his future and the player could return to the Estadio Metropolitano next summer.
Vargas attracted attention during his breakthrough 2025-26 campaign in Madrid. His performances came in flashes, but Atletico manager Diego Simeone used him regularly during pre-season as he assessed his options ahead of the new campaign.
However, the competition for places in midfield has increased during the summer. The arrivals of Morten Hjulmand and Lee Kang-in have made it more difficult for Vargas to secure a place in Atletico Madrid’s starting XI. Club captain Koke has also agreed a contract extension, further strengthening the options available to Simeone in the centre of the pitch.
Vargas had interest from several LaLiga clubs, but he appears to have chosen neighbours Getafe. That decision follows Jose Bordalas’ side securing qualification for the UEFA Conference League, giving the midfielder the opportunity to continue his development while remaining in Spain’s top flight.
The proposed move is designed to give Vargas regular first-team football without bringing his time at Atletico Madrid to an end. Getafe’s insistence that any purchase clause should be non-binding was accepted as part of the agreement, keeping open the possibility of the player returning to his parent club.
If the final formalities are completed, Vargas could make his Getafe debut as soon as next week. Getafe are due to host Celta Vigo on 7 September, which could provide the midfielder with his first opportunity to play for his new side.
The move would bring an end, at least temporarily, to Vargas’ involvement with Atletico Madrid after he featured regularly in the club’s preparations for the new season. His departure comes as the club reshapes its midfield following the arrivals of Hjulmand and Lee Kang-in, while maintaining a route back for the young Mexico international.
