AS Roma Sign Nahuel Molina from Atlético Madrid as Argentine Colony Shrinks

Right-back Nahuel Molina has completed a permanent transfer from Atlético Madrid to AS Roma, bringing an end to his four-year tenure in the Spanish capital, according to recent sports media reports. The 28-year-old Argentina international will wear the number 20 shirt for his new Italian club.

According to reports detailing the transaction, AS Roma will pay an initial fee of approximately 13 million euros for the defender, with an additional four million euros in potential performance-related add-ons. The move represents the fifth confirmed signing for the Roman club during the current transfer window, a spending push that has brought the team’s total expenditure on reinforcements close to the 100 million euro threshold following their qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Molina’s departure marks a significant thinning of Atlético Madrid’s traditionally heavy Argentine contingent. Under manager Diego Simeone, the Madrid club—often referred to as Los Colchoneros—boasted a roster featuring six Argentine compatriots during the previous season: Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González, Thiago Almada, Nahuel Molina, Giuliano Simeone, and Juan Musso. With ongoing market movements, that group has been reduced by half.

“After four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to this great club,” Molina wrote in a farewell message cited by media outlets. “I am grateful to have been part of this wonderful family. I want to thank all the fans of Atlético, who are the heart of this club.”

Alongside Molina’s exit, the club’s Argentine contingent has seen several other departures. Forward Thiago Almada transferred to River Plate for a reported fee of 20 million euros, while winger Nicolás González returned to Juventus following the conclusion of his loan spell. Additional roster changes are anticipated in Madrid, with reports indicating that left-back Matteo Ruggeri is expected to join Aston Villa in the coming days. Meanwhile, forward Julián Álvarez has been pursuing a move to Barcelona, though reports note those efforts have faced hurdles, and Tottenham Hotspur captain and center-back Cristian Romero has been linked as a potential arrival to reinforce the squad.