Jan Oblak (foto: Getty Images)
With Koke likely to leave Atlético Madrid this summer, Jan Oblak is in line to become the club’s new permanent captain from next season.
Jan Oblak could be handed the Atlético Madrid captain’s armband on a permanent basis next season, as longtime skipper Koke is reportedly considering a summer departure, according to Spanish media.
The Slovenian goalkeeper, who is already the first-choice captain of his national team and regularly wears the armband for Atlético in big matches, is currently the club’s vice-captain. However, with Koke's playing time significantly reduced in recent months—he has started just four matches since October—the leadership role is gradually shifting to Oblak.
Koke, now 33 years old, has spent his entire career at Atlético, amassing a club-record 667 appearances. He is expected to leave the club at the end of the season, when his contract expires. Reports suggest that his likely destinations include Saudi Arabia or Major League Soccer in the United States.
The club's plan is for Koke to remain with the squad through the FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled for June in the United States, after which he would be allowed to leave on a free transfer.
Should Koke depart, Oblak is the clear front-runner to take over as Atlético’s official captain, reflecting not only his seniority but also his leadership role in the dressing room over the past several seasons.
In midfield, Koke’s role has already been taken over by rising academy graduate Pablo Barrios, signaling a generational transition within Diego Simeone’s squad.