Giménez leaves Atlético on loan after 13 years and 384 appearances

José María Giménez has brought an end to a 13-year spell at Atlético de Madrid with a loan move to Deportivo de La Coruña until the end of the season. The 31-year-old Uruguayan centre-back made 384 official appearances for the club and lifted five trophies under Diego Simeone, but new defensive reinforcements left him without a place in the rotation. The switch to Riazor will allow him to secure the playing time he was no longer finding at the Metropolitano.

• Giménez will play on loan at Deportivo de La Coruña until June 2026.
• The Uruguayan defender made 384 official appearances for Atlético since his debut in 2013.
• He won five titles: two LaLiga championships, one Spanish Super Cup, one Europa League and one UEFA Super Cup.
• The arrivals of Cristian Romero along with Marc Pubill, Le Normand and Hancko left him as fifth-choice centre-back.
• He becomes the seventh confirmed departure from last season's Atlético squad.

From young prospect to quiet Atlético legend

Giménez arrived in Madrid in 2013 and managed just two league appearances in his first campaign. Competition from Diego Godín, Joao Miranda and Toby Alderweireld limited his involvement, but he was still part of the group that won the 2013-14 league title and reached the Champions League final in Lisbon. His breakthrough came steadily from the 2014-15 season onwards, when he began to string together starts and establish himself as a defensive cornerstone.

Throughout his time at the club, the Uruguayan stood out for his commitment and physical presence. His aerial dominance, aggression in duels and clean distribution made him a well-rounded centre-back. Injuries occasionally disrupted his rhythm, but his professionalism was never questioned and the Metropolitano faithful always valued his leadership on the pitch.

Titles won by Giménez across 13 seasons at Atlético

Giménez's trophy cabinet reflects his influence during the most successful era at Atlético in decades. Since joining in 2013, he has celebrated five major honours with the club.

• LaLiga 2013-14 and 2020-21
• Spanish Super Cup 2014
• Europa League 2017-18
• UEFA Super Cup 2018

His official debut came on 14 September 2013 against Almería at the Vicente Calderón. His most recent appearance for Atlético was on 29 August, when he played 33 minutes in the 1-3 win over Sevilla. Between those two dates, he racked up 384 matches, making him one of the most capped foreign players in the club's recent history.

Why Simeone could no longer count on Giménez

Giménez's drop down the defensive pecking order did not happen overnight. Marc Pubill's emergence in December of last year began to cut into his minutes, and the subsequent arrival of Cristian Romero from Tottenham closed the door on a starting role. With Robin Le Normand and David Hancko firmly established, the Uruguayan slipped to fifth in the centre-back hierarchy.

This season, his role was limited to substitute appearances in the last two league matches against Villarreal and Sevilla. He did not feature at all in the opening round against Málaga. The club had been weighing up his exit since the summer, and the player himself had already hinted at a farewell on social media in early May by posting a photo with supporters alongside a song containing the line: "I wish I didn't have to say goodbye, but I must leave."

What Giménez will bring to Deportivo de La Coruña

At Riazor, Giménez arrives as a top-level addition to the back line. His elite experience, competitive character and aerial ability in both boxes are qualities that can make the difference in the division. His composure on the ball will also help Deportivo build play from the back with greater confidence and accuracy.

The loan includes a return ticket to the Metropolitano at the end of the season, as the centre-back remains under contract with Atlético until 2028. At 31 and with 99 caps for Uruguay, this spell in Galicia could serve to relaunch his career and put him back in contention for a place in the Atlético squad.

Giménez becomes the seventh Atlético exit this summer

Giménez's departure adds to a significant list of exits from the Atlético squad during this transfer window. Before the Uruguayan, the club had already parted ways with Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann, Thiago Almada, Nico González, Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina. Simeone is overseeing a deep rebuild of the dressing room as the team prepares for a demanding season across all competitions.