Diego Ribas (Wolfsburg to Atlético Madrid on loan)
It’s a loan, but it’s also arguably the most exciting piece of business that took place in Spain. Diego Simeone’s admiration of Diego Ribas isn’t a secret, and when money got in the way of the Brazilian staying on after his first loan spell at the club there was great disappointment on both sides. Both parties remained patient, however, and the pair have finally been reunited. It took just 27 minutes for Diego to re-ignite his love affair with Atleti and show off his capabilities on Sunday evening in his second debut, as he ghosted unguarded into the penalty area before finishing with aplomb. It’s his creative spark Atleti will value most, as they face deep block defensive teams, an area that has been a genuine problem in an almost perfect season thus far. What’s more, the Brazilian knows the side’s system well and adaptation isn’t likely to be an issue. In the Bundesliga this season with Wolfsburg, Diego had ranked 11th for key passes per game, with 2.2. His successful dribbles per game meanwhile, were 4th most overall, with 5.0. It’s these figures Simeone will look to transfer to Atleti, and ease some of the burden on the sparkling pair of Koke and Arda Turan in the creative hub. With three competitions in full swing Atleti will need all their depth, and if it comes with the quality of Diego then even better.