Atlético Madrid is willing to negotiate the departure of Brazilian forward Samuel Lino, 25, for €30 million, as revealed by Italian journalist Matteo Moretto. The player, who shone at Gil Vicente between 2019 and 2022, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest, as well as undisclosed Portuguese teams. The Spanish club’s decision aims to secure financial returns before Lino’s contract, valid until June 2027, enters its final year, when his market value could decline. The move comes amid Atlético’s squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 season. The interest in Lino reflects his versatility on the pitch and solid performances in previous seasons, particularly during his loan at Valencia.
Samuel Lino’s journey in European football gained traction at Gil Vicente, where the São Paulo native showcased skill and potential. Signed by Atlético Madrid in 2022 for just €6.5 million, the player struggled to secure a regular spot under Diego Simeone. After a loan spell at Valencia, where he scored eight goals and provided two assists, Lino returned to Atlético but failed to establish himself as a key figure in the Argentine coach’s tactical setup.
- Main interested clubs: Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest, from the Premier League.
- Transfer fee: Set at €30 million by Atlético Madrid.
- Contract: Valid until June 2027.
- Reason for sale: Squad restructuring and financial return needs.
The European summer transfer window of 2025 is heating up, and Lino’s situation reflects Atlético’s pursuit of financial and strategic balance. Below, we explore the negotiation details, the player’s profile, and implications for the involved clubs.
Why does Atlético Madrid want to sell Samuel Lino?
Atlético Madrid faces a transitional moment in the 2025/26 season, needing to free up squad space for new signings. Despite his talent, Samuel Lino has not solidified as a regular starter under Diego Simeone. His versatility, allowing him to play as a left winger, wing-back, or midfielder, is an asset, but competition within the squad and potential arrivals, like Thiago Almada, increase pressure for departures.
The decision to sell Lino is also financially driven. With his contract nearing its penultimate year, the club fears a market value drop if the transfer is delayed. The €30 million valuation is deemed fair, given his performances and potential to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and competitiveness.
Atlético previously attempted to include Lino in a deal for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, offering €30 million plus the Brazilian. The bid was rejected, but it signals the club’s willingness to find creative solutions. The strategy aligns with UEFA’s financial fair play rules, especially with Atlético’s participation in the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2025.
Samuel Lino’s profile and market impact
Samuel Lino began his career at São Bernardo FC, transitioning from futsal to field football. His talent led him to Gil Vicente, where he stood out in Portugal’s Primeira Liga from 2019 to 2022. At the Portuguese club, Lino scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 99 matches, catching Atlético Madrid’s eye. The €6.5 million transfer to the Spanish club was seen as a promising investment, but adapting to Simeone’s style proved challenging.
In the 2022/23 season, loaned to Valencia, Lino found his best form in Europe. Playing 36 matches, he scored eight goals and contributed two assists, showcasing speed, dribbling ability, and finishing. Back at Atlético in 2023/24, he appeared in 47 games but scored only four goals with eight assists, numbers that failed to convince Simeone to keep him as a core player.
- Lino’s strengths:
- Tactical versatility (winger, wing-back, or midfielder).
- Speed and dribbling skills.
- Experience in competitive leagues (Portugal and Spain).
- Ideal age (25) for Premier League adaptation.
Despite not being a guaranteed starter, interest from clubs like Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest highlights Lino’s potential. The Premier League’s fast-paced, physical style could be the ideal environment for the Brazilian to regain prominence.
Premier League and Portuguese clubs’ interest
Wolverhampton, coached by Portuguese manager Vítor Pereira, and Nottingham Forest, led by Nuno Espírito Santo, emerge as top contenders to sign Samuel Lino. Both clubs aim to bolster their squads for the 2025/26 season, particularly in the wing positions, where Lino can offer dynamism and depth. Wolves, facing the potential departure of Matheus Cunha, see Lino as a versatile option, while Forest seeks players to compete in an increasingly demanding league.
Portuguese clubs have also shown interest, though no names were disclosed. Lino’s connection to Portugal, where he thrived at Gil Vicente, makes a return plausible, especially for financially capable clubs like Sporting, Porto, or Benfica. However, Atlético Madrid appears to favor the English market, where financial potential is higher.
- Interested clubs:
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League).
- Nottingham Forest (Premier League).
- Unspecified Portuguese clubs.
- Other Premier League teams (not detailed).
The presence of Portuguese coaches at the interested English clubs could ease negotiations, given their familiarity with Lino’s playing style and adaptability. The involvement of agent Jorge Mendes, who represents players from both clubs, may also streamline talks.
Transfer context in the European market
The 2025 transfer market is marked by strategic moves, with clubs balancing signings and sales to meet UEFA’s financial demands. Atlético Madrid, having invested in young talents in recent years, now seeks to optimize its squad for competitions like the Champions League and Club World Cup. Lino’s exit, alongside other potential transfers like Ángel Correa, could free up funds for high-profile signings.
In the Premier League, Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest face distinct challenges. Wolves, after an inconsistent season, aim to reinforce for a top-half finish, while Forest, having avoided relegation in prior years, bets on young talent to grow. Lino’s potential arrival at either club would be a significant step toward their goals.
Atlético’s attempt to include Lino in the Ademola Lookman deal also reflects its strategy of using players as bargaining chips. Though rejected, the proposal shows the club’s flexibility in finding market solutions.
Challenges and prospects for Samuel Lino
At 25, Samuel Lino is at a pivotal moment in his career. The Premier League offers a chance to play in a high-profile league with greater visibility and competitive salaries. However, adapting to English football’s physical intensity will be a challenge. Lino will need to show consistency to justify the €30 million investment.
- Factors influencing the transfer:
- Financial capacity of interested clubs.
- Lino’s need for regular playing time.
- Atlético’s squad restructuring strategy.
- Competition with other market players.
For Atlético Madrid, selling Lino is an opportunity to profit from a player who doesn’t fully fit Simeone’s project. For interested clubs, especially in the Premier League, Lino represents a bet on a young, versatile player with experience in competitive leagues.
Impact on Gil Vicente and Portuguese football
Samuel Lino’s journey also underscores Gil Vicente’s role as a springboard for young talents. The Portuguese club, which sold Lino for €6.5 million, retains 20% of any future transfer, potentially earning significant profit if the €30 million deal is finalized. This business model reinforces the strategy of smaller Portuguese clubs, which invest in promising players for resale to larger markets.
The interest from Portuguese clubs in Lino, though not specified, highlights the strength of Portugal’s market in attracting players familiar with the country. A potential return could reignite discussions about the ability of Portugal’s top clubs to identify local talents before their value spikes abroad.
- Benefits for Gil Vicente:
- 20% share of future transfer.
- Strengthened reputation as a talent developer.
- Potential reinvestment in new players.
Future scenario and next steps
Samuel Lino’s negotiation is expected to gain momentum in the coming weeks, with Atlético Madrid pressed to finalize deals before the season starts. The preference for Premier League clubs suggests Wolverhampton and Nottingham Forest are frontrunners, but the entry of Portuguese teams cannot be ruled out. The final decision will hinge on the clubs’ ability to meet Atlético’s financial demands and Lino’s desire for new challenges.
The 2025 transfer market promises to be dynamic, and Lino’s case is one of many stories shaping the season. For the Brazilian, the next move will test his ability to establish himself as an elite player in a new environment.
