Atletico Madrid's love affair with Portugal LaLiga Will once again look to Iberian neighbour for signings

Atletico Madrid are set for a major upheaval in the summer and that will see them continue their tradition of the last 19 years: looking to Portugal for signings.

Los Rojiblancos have reportedly already sealed two deals in the form of Porto duo Hector Herrera and Alex Telles, and their attention is now turning towards Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias.

The Portuguese defender, who is 22 in May, has become a key member of the Benfica first team since coming through the ranks and establishing himself last season. Given the imminent departure of Diego Godin and the fact that Lucas Hernandez has already gone to Bayern Munich, Dias would be a much-needed arrival who not only fits the present but also the future.

There is one main obstacle in Atletico's way, however: his 60 million euro release clause. They do believe that they will be able to negotiate this figure down, given the good relationship between the two sides, as well as the influence of the super-agent Jorge Mendes, though Benfica will try to remain firm.

Back in 2016, Miguel Angel Gil was able to satisfy Diego Simeone's desires by bringing in Nico Gaitan from Benfica, despite previous failed attempts. The Argentine, in any case, was not the last signing from the Liga NOS as Atletico acquired Gelson Martins from Sporting CP last summer. Since 1957/58, a total of 25 players have joined Los Rojiblancos from teams in Portugal.

Whilst the relationship between Atletico and Portugal goes back 61 years, the arrival of Andrea Berti as sporting director in May 2013 has seen Los Colchoneros raid the Portuguese league on a fairly regular basis. Of the 49 players that have signed for Atletico in Berti's era, 16 have come from LaLiga Santander and eight have come from Portugal (Roberto Jimenez, Andre Moreira, Jan Oblak, Bernard Mensah, Jackson Martinez, Diogo Jota, Gaitan and Gelson), as well as five from Serie A.

In fact, aside from the summer when Atletico had a transfer ban and only agreed deals for Vitolo and Diego Costa, Berti has always looked to Portugal, as he is now.