According to Javier Matallanas of AS, Atlético Madrid and Diego Simeone have agreed to extend the Argentine’s contract until 2017.

According to the journalist from the Spanish daily, the news will be officially announced after the return leg of our Copa del Rey semi-final clash with Sevilla on the 27th of February.

The coach’s current deal is set to expire this summer but, after two months of negotiations, it seems the club and ‘El Cholo’ have finally reached an agreement.

More than a financial reward, Simeone was looking for assurances that his squad won’t be dismantled in the wake of Atleti’s economical struggles. It appears Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has been able to make those promises, as Simeone will continue his project at the club for at least four more years.

According to AS, one of Cholo’s demands was the permanent signing of Thibaut Courtois and the return of playmaker Diego Ribas, as well as the continuation of assistant coach Germán Burgos and the other members of his staff.

Atlético announce deal with MetLife

While Atlético have not yet responded to news of the possible renewal of their head coach, the club did announce good news this past weekend.

On its official and completely revamped website, Atleti announced a sponsorship agreement with MetLife.

The insurance company, like Atleti, is looking to expand its global reach and will collaborate with the Atlético Foundation and appear as a shirt sponsor on the kits of all our cantera teams.

During the presentation at the Vicente Calderón, the main focus was on Atleti’s youth system, with academy graduates Koke and Mario Suárez both present among several youngsters from our lower categories.

That Atlético’s cantera is blossoming was once more illustrated by Diego Simeone’s match selection for our trip to Moscow, where the Rojiblancos will face Rubin Kazan on Thursday. Cholo seems to have prioritised the league and domestic cup ahead of the Europa League this season and decided to rest a number of first team players, instead selecting several players from our youth teams.

N’Doye, Gallas, Borja Galán and Iván Calero could all debut for Atlético in Russia, while B-team regulars Kader, Saúl and Javi Manquillo are also part of squad.