Juanfran in frame to make a return to Atlético Madrid | OneFootball

Reports in Spain and Brazil have linked Juanfran with a return to Atlético Madrid in a non-playing capacity.

The 35-year-old, who left Atleti to join São Paulo last August, will be out of contract at the end of this year.

Although the veteran right-back has settled well with the Tricolour in Brazil, changes behind the scenes at his old club could see him make a swift return to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Manager Diego Simeone will be losing his assistant Germán Burgos at the end of this season, with the 51-year-old looking to land a head coach position.

It has been widely reported that Gabi, a former team-mate of Juanfran, will replace Burgos as Simeone’s right-hand man.

Juanfran, who won a LaLiga title and two Europa Leagues during his eight years with Los Colchoneros, has previously spoken of his dream to take up a role with Los Rojiblancos once his playing days are over.

In an interview with Marca last November, the former Spain international said: “I want to be the sporting director at Atlético Madrid, and I know who I want my coach to be.”

Andrea Berta is the current sporting director for Atlético, and he is considered among the best at that job in the world.

However, he has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past.

If he were to leave for Old Trafford or elsewhere, Juanfran, who has a close relationship with Atlético’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, would be favourite to replace Berta.