Atlético Madrid test the impact of five summer signings in derby against Real Madrid

Diego Simeone's new Atlético Madrid head into Sunday's derby against Real Madrid with the mark of their five signings already visible on the pitch. The 4-0 win over Osasuna produced the team's best collective performance and confirmed that Cristian Romero, Jonathan David, Kang-in Lee, Morten Hjulmand and Alejandro Grimaldo have raised the squad's competitive ceiling. A 125 million euro investment that, on the eve of the seventh round of LaLiga, has become the club's main argument for facing the reigning champions.

• All five summer additions have already had a direct impact on goals or results for Atlético.
• Jonathan David and Kang-in Lee scored against Osasuna and were involved in the other goals.
• Cuti Romero has established himself as an undisputed starter in defence after a gradual introduction.
• Hjulmand and Grimaldo are still adapting, but Simeone is counting on them for the derby.
• Koke highlights the stature of the new players and the internal competition they have created.

Koke praises the stature of the newcomers and the competition for places

Captain Koke Resurrección did not hide his satisfaction with the recent arrivals. After the win over Osasuna, the midfielder praised the depth of a squad that is starting to feel the effect of rotation. He highlighted that top-level players have arrived and that the group has become stronger with everyone's contribution, which forces the team to maintain a high level in every match. For Koke, winning 0-3 away and then 4-0 at home is the path the team must follow.

The captain added that the signings have come to contribute and are adapting very well to the dressing room, even though joining a new club is never easy. That quick integration has allowed Simeone to count on all of them from the opening weeks and has raised competition in several positions, exactly what the Argentine coach wanted for a demanding fixture list.

Players with great stature have arrived, we have a very strong group, you could see on Wednesday that there were a lot of changes in the team and we put in a great performance, and that is what we have to look for, that competition and that level.

Jonathan David, the resource that unlocks Atlético's attack

The Canadian striker arrived at Atlético after a season at Juventus below expectations, but his impact goes far beyond being an alternative to Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth. Injuries to both players have opened the door for him and his response has been immediate. He came off the bench against Real Sociedad and changed a dull match with a goal. Against Osasuna, he took his first chance to open the scoring and then set up Kang-in Lee's goal for 2-0.

In just 120 minutes of play, with only one start, David has shown speed and efficiency in the box. His ability to settle tight matches has become a valuable weapon for Simeone, who sees him as genuine competition for the forward line rather than just a backup. The derby against Real Madrid is his big opportunity to prove that he is destined to be much more than an impact substitute.

Kang-in Lee, the creative spark Atlético needed after Griezmann

The South Korean international had been on Atlético's radar for years, even before his move to Paris Saint-Germain. His arrival this summer, at 25 and as a two-time Champions League winner, coincided with Antoine Griezmann's departure, a creative void that Diego Simeone urgently needed to fill. Kang-in Lee has taken on that challenge naturally.

He needed only 13 minutes to score his first goal on the opening day against Málaga. Since then, he has added an assist in the 1-3 win at Sevilla and a goal against Osasuna. He has started six of the seven matches and his ability to beat defenders, create space and bring clarity to the attack from the right flank or centrally has made him an essential piece. His defensive work completes a profile Simeone particularly values.

Cuti Romero, the defensive strength Simeone was looking for

Cristian Romero's arrival was conditioned by the World Cup final and the formalities of his transfer from Tottenham, which delayed his preparation. However, his introduction to the starting eleven has been gradual and is now fully established. He debuted with half an hour against Athletic Club, started at Anfield against Liverpool and raised his level in the following matches, especially against Real Sociedad and Osasuna, where he delivered a commanding performance.

The Argentine centre-back had been a target for Atlético for two years, and Tottenham's difficult season last year made his departure easier. Although the London club agreed a transfer to Inter, the player was determined to join Simeone's project. He is now an undisputed starter and provides the defensive solidity the coach demanded to protect the team in high-pressure matches like the derby.

Hjulmand and Grimaldo, still adapting to the pace of LaLiga

Hjulmand, balance and leadership in midfield

The Dane arrived from Sporting CP for 40 million euros fixed plus five in add-ons with the mission of bringing energy and balance to midfield. Simeone wanted exactly that profile, and Hjulmand offers it, along with a natural leadership that fits the dressing room's culture. He still needs to gain speed and match rhythm, which is normal in the step up from the Portuguese league to the Spanish competition, which is more intense and faster.

He has started five of the seven matches and has featured in all of them. He conceded a penalty in the draw against Villarreal, but his level is improving and he looks set to start the derby in a position with fierce competition. Atlético need his best version to contain Real Madrid's midfield.

Grimaldo, finding his best attacking form

Alejandro Grimaldo arrived from Bayer Leverkusen after a season in which he was the most decisive full-back in attack, with 14 goals and 12 assists. His signing during the 2026 World Cup brought about his long-awaited debut in Spanish football, but his adaptation is taking time. A late pre-season due to the World Cup final and the work with a new system have affected his start.

In San Sebastián he scored from the penalty spot, and against Osasuna he provided the assist for the opening goal with an incisive run inside. In attack he is starting to show his true dimension, especially when he gets more involved in the game, although defensively he has shown doubts and vulnerability on several occasions. He is aware that he must improve, and his competitive nature suggests that cementing his place at left-back is only a matter of time.

What is at stake for Atlético in the Metropolitano derby

The seventh-round derby arrives at the perfect moment to measure the real impact of the signings. Atlético have won their last two league matches comfortably and are keeping pace with the teams at the top, while Real Madrid visit the Metropolitano as direct title rivals. For several of the new players, it will be their first derby in the rojiblanco shirt, a major test they approach with confidence.

Simeone has alternatives across every line, and the internal competition highlighted by Koke could be a decisive factor. The challenge is to maintain the intensity shown against Osasuna and for the signings to keep contributing in a maximum-pressure scenario. The 4-0 left good feelings, but the derby will truly measure how far this new Atlético can go.