Atletico Madrid join the race for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari

Yasin Ayari has emerged as one of the names Atletico Madrid are considering to strengthen their midfield in upcoming transfer windows. The 22-year-old Swede, currently at Brighton, fits the profile that usually appeals to the Spanish club's sporting department: young, with international projection and proven experience in the demanding Premier League. His departure, however, will not be straightforward.

• Atletico Madrid have identified Yasin Ayari as a target to reinforce their midfield.
• Brighton want to extend the Swede's contract, which runs until 2027, by one more year.
• The English club value the player at between 40 and 60 million euros, a figure well beyond Atletico's reach.
• Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and AC Milan are also closely following the midfielder.
• Ayari has made 82 official appearances for Brighton, scoring seven goals and providing four assists.

Yasin Ayari: a versatile midfielder for Atletico Madrid

The Swedish international has gradually earned a regular role with the Seagulls, becoming a consistent presence in the team. His performances in the Premier League have seen him rack up 82 official matches, with seven goals and four assists. Those are not spectacular numbers, but they reveal a player with continuity and plenty of room to grow in one of the world's most competitive leagues.

On the pitch, Ayari stands out for his ability to operate in several midfield positions. His natural role is as a deep-lying playmaker or box-to-box midfielder, though he can also slot in as a defensive midfielder or push forward into the attacking midfield area when required. That versatility is highly valuable for an Atletico side that has always prioritised tactical flexibility in its signings.

Passing reliability and a threat from distance

One of the Swede's most impressive qualities is his precision in possession. He boasts a passing accuracy of around 90%, a figure that makes him a dependable option for building play from deep areas. Added to that reliability is a trait not always found in midfielders of his type: the ability to arrive in the opposition box.

Ayari also possesses a strong long-range shot that allows him to chip in with several goals each season. That combination of composure on the ball and attacking threat makes him a well-rounded midfielder, capable of adapting to different systems and contributing both in the build-up phase and in the final third.

Brighton ready to make any transfer difficult

The main obstacle for Atletico Madrid is financial. Although the player's contract expires in 2027, Brighton are already working on an extension until 2028, a clear sign that they have no intention of letting him go in the near future. English media report that the south coast club want between 40 and 60 million euros to even consider negotiations.

That price range is entirely outside Atletico's current market. Brighton have also rejected significant offers for Ayari in the past, underlining their determination to keep hold of their young talents. The Spanish club are not alone in the race, which makes any potential deal even more expensive.

Dortmund, Newcastle and Milan also in the race for Ayari

Atletico's interest is not exclusive. Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and AC Milan are also monitoring the Swedish midfielder's progress closely. All three clubs operate in markets with greater financial power than the Spanish side at present, particularly Newcastle, backed by Saudi investment, and a Borussia Dortmund side accustomed to spending on young talent.

The presence of these competitors makes Atletico's ambitions even harder. If Brighton were to open the door to a sale, the Madrid club would start at a financial disadvantage. Their best chance would be to convince the player with an attractive sporting project and the promise of a leading role from day one, something the wealthier clubs cannot always guarantee.

Atletico Madrid's approach in the transfer market

The Spanish club maintains a policy of constantly tracking young international talent. Ayari's case fits that strategy perfectly: a player already competing at the highest level in the Premier League, with room for improvement and a rising market value. Atletico usually act cautiously in such operations, aware of their budget limitations compared to the English giants.

Any move for the Swede will depend on several factors: Brighton's stance, the player's development for the rest of the season and Atletico's ability to generate income through player sales. For now, the interest exists and has been widely reported in England, although no formal offer has yet been made.