Atlético Madrid keep close tabs on Lyon star Pavel Šulc, valued at 50 million euros

Atlético Madrid are already laying the groundwork for their next squad rebuild, and the scouting department has identified a familiar target as a genuine option: Pavel Šulc. The Olympique Lyonnais playmaker has been on the club’s radar for some time, but recent reports from France indicate that the Spanish side have stepped up their monitoring during the current campaign.

• Atlético Madrid are closely tracking Pavel Šulc, a 25-year-old attacking midfielder at Olympique Lyonnais.
• The Czech has delivered 15 goals and 10 assists in his first season in Ligue 1.
• His market value is estimated at around 50 million euros.
• Aston Villa and Juventus are also pushing to sign the player.
• His versatility and speed on the counter make him a strong fit for Diego Simeone’s system.

Pavel Šulc: a highly sought-after attacking profile in Ligue 1

Pavel Šulc has established himself during the 2025-26 season as one of the most productive attacking midfielders in French football. His ability to drift between the lines, link up with forwards and burst into space has produced outstanding numbers for a player who arrived at Lyon with little fanfare. Across all competitions he has scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists, a return that has alerted Europe’s biggest clubs.

The Czech international stands out for his late runs into the box and a long-range strike that punishes defensive lines. He is not a static number ten: he operates across the entire attacking front, cuts inside from wide positions and acts as a second striker when the team needs a finishing threat. That flexibility makes him an attractive option for projects looking for attacking solutions without locking a player into a single role.

Why Pavel Šulc fits into Simeone’s Atlético Madrid

Atlético Madrid’s current system thrives on quick transitions after winning the ball back and direct attacking sequences. Šulc is a specialist in exactly those situations: he accelerates into space, carries the ball with purpose and has the composure to pick the final pass or finish the move himself. His speed in open areas and his instincts in front of goal align with a team that punishes opponents on the counter and needs midfielders capable of turning a recovery into a clear chance in seconds.

His ability to play as a link between midfield and attack, or as a second forward, would also give the Argentine coach tactical alternatives. Deploying Šulc behind the main striker or drifting from the right would allow Atlético to rotate attacking pieces without losing goal threat. The club places a premium on players who can perform in multiple positions without weakening the defensive structure.

Aston Villa and Juventus: elite competition for the Czech midfielder

Atlético Madrid are not alone in the race. Aston Villa have shown consistent interest in the player, and Juventus have been following him closely for months. Both clubs hold positive scouting reports on the Czech and are considering moves for the summer window. The competition drives up the price and forces Atlético to act early if they want to avoid a bidding war when the market opens.

Lyon, for their part, are in no hurry to sell. The Rhône club wants to keep Šulc to compete for their season objectives in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, where Paulo Fonseca relies on his versatility to sustain the sporting project. The French club’s stance is clear: only a highly convincing offer, close to his market value, would change the situation.

50 million euros: the starting price for a complicated deal

Pavel Šulc’s valuation sits around 50 million euros, a figure that shapes any potential negotiation. Atlético Madrid know they will have to make a significant financial effort to compete with Aston Villa and Juventus, two clubs with strong resources and the willingness to invest in emerging talent. The club’s sporting management is exploring structures that could bring them closer to Lyon’s asking price without breaching salary cap restrictions.

Either way, the operation is shaping up as one of the most attractive of the upcoming window. A 25-year-old attacking midfielder with immediate output and room for growth fits the rejuvenation strategy Atlético have applied in recent markets. The intensified tracking this season confirms this is not a casual enquiry: it is a genuine working route toward the 2026-27 project.

FAQ: Atlético Madrid’s interest in Pavel Šulc