Atlético Madrid could look to seal a last-minute move for Al-Hilal’s Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo

The transfer market is often a game of chess, and Atlético de Madrid’s pursuit of Marcos Leonardo is no exception. As Diego "Cholo" Simeone looks to revitalize his offensive line for the 2026 season, the negotiations with Al-Hilal have hit a specific, non-negotiable roadblock. The Saudi Arabian giants have made their intentions crystal clear: they will only greenlight a loan move for the Brazilian starlet if they successfully secure a world-class replacement first.

Al-Hilal’s reluctance to let Leonardo go without a backup stems from a tactical shift. The Saudi club is currently on the hunt for a "Pure 9"—a traditional, positional center-forward who can act as a reference point in the box. This specific profile differs significantly from Marcos Leonardo, whose game is built on mobility, verticality, and the ability to haunt multiple zones across the attacking third.

For the Saudi side, letting Leonardo leave before signing a target man would leave a hole in their tactical flexibility. Therefore, Atlético de Madrid finds itself in a "waiting room," dependent on Al-Hilal’s ability to close a deal for a more static goalscorer.

Why is Simeone so insistent on the Brazilian? The answer lies in his versatility. Marcos Leonardo is far from a static poacher. He offers a lethal combination of blistering pace, technical association, and a notorious "nose for goal."

While he isn't a "classic" striker who sits between the center-backs, he is a complete modern attacker. His ability to drift to the wings, drop deep to link up with midfielders, and still finish clinical chances inside the area makes him a dream for Atlético’s high-intensity system. In Simeone’s eyes, Leonardo isn't just a replacement for current options; he is a tool to open up the "tactical fan," providing quantitative depth and a new, unpredictable dynamic to the Colchonero attack.

Atlético de Madrid has struggled with offensive consistency in recent months, often becoming too predictable in the final third. The addition of a player like Leonardo—who thrives on quick transitions and finding space where none exists—would offer a perfect counterpoint to the more physical presence of players like Alexander Sørloth.

Furthermore, at just 22 years old, Leonardo represents a long-term investment in a squad that is currently undergoing a generational shift. His previous success in the Brazilian league and his adaptation to the pressure of the Saudi Pro League suggest he has the mental toughness required to thrive under the demanding eye of Simeone.

As the deadline approaches, the ball remains in Al-Hilal’s court. Atlético has already laid the groundwork for the loan, but the "domino effect" of the transfer market will decide the outcome. If Al-Hilal finds their positional striker, the doors to the Metropolitano will swing wide open for Marcos Leonardo to become the new idol of the red-and-white faithful.