Matteo Ruggeri to Remain at Atlético Madrid as Agent Dismisses Exit Rumors

Tullio Tinti, representative for Matteo Ruggeri, has put an end to transfer rumors surrounding the Italian defender, declaring that the 24-year-old left-back will remain at Atlético de Madrid for the upcoming season. Tinti confirmed to Sky Sport Italy that despite concrete inquiries from Serie A clubs Roma and Fiorentina, the Spanish capital side has no intention of parting ways with the player.

The agent’s statement directly refutes weeks of speculation in the Spanish media claiming that Atlético director of football Mateu Alemany was actively seeking to sell Ruggeri to generate transfer funds. Rumors of a potential exit had previously surfaced when English Premier League club Nottingham Forest made an approach during the January transfer window, but Tinti insisted that Ruggeri remains firmly committed to the club.

The decision to keep the defender follows key roster adjustments along Diego Simeone‘s backline. Over the weekend, fellow full-back Julio Díaz agreed to terms with Sevilla, relieving a positional bottleneck at left-back. With World Cup winner Álex Grimaldo establishing himself as the primary option, Ruggeri is positioned to operate as a vital rotational starter and primary cover for the 2026-27 campaign.

Ruggeri joined Atlético from Italian side Atalanta last July for a fee under €20 million, signing a long-term agreement through 2030. Coming through Atalanta’s famed youth system—known for producing attack-oriented wing-backs—Ruggeri demonstrated strong offensive capabilities in his debut Spanish season. Following a slow adaptation phase, he registered seven assists over a 17-match span between late January and early April, making a notable impact during Atlético’s Champions League quarterfinal victory over FC Barcelona.

However, his first year in Spain featured contrasting performances. While his crossing provided effective attacking leverage, defensive struggles in single-coverage situations persisted in LaLiga play, highlighted by a difficult outing in the Copa del Rey final loss on penalties to Real Sociedad.

By retaining Ruggeri, Atlético secures proven depth on the left flank while management continues addressing squad needs elsewhere, including ongoing negotiations surrounding forward Julián Álvarez. With a contract locked until 2030, the Spanish club retains full control over the player’s market valuation should future Serie A interest resurface.