Atletico Madrid star Axel Witsel is open minded over a contract extension at the club in 2024.

Witsel joined Los Roiblancos on a free transfer at the start of the 2022/23 season following his departure from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

The 34-year-old signed a 12 month contract upon his arrival in Madrid, with the option to extend his deal, if he started or played over 45 minutes in 25 La Liga matches.

After establishing himself as a key part of  Diego Simeone’s team in his debut campaign, that clause was activated, and he remained in the Spanish capital.

With the 34-year-old remaining as a crucial player in Simeone’s 3-5-2 system, as a remoulded central defender, he can again extend for another year, into the 2024/25 season.

His current deal does not include a trigger clause, but he is keen to extend his stay in Madrid, with negotiations set to start in 2024.

“It’s the last year of my contract, let’s see what happens. I don’t have the key to the situation, but I’m very happy here”, as per reports from Marca.

“When I arrived here, I did so as a midfielder. But, in the end, after I spoke with ‘Cholo’, he was right. At my age, playing in this position, I can play for more years at this level in defence.”

With Witsel already retired from international duty with Belgium, he gains extra rest periods, to allow him to extend his club career.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Three takeaways as Panthers eliminate Rangers, advance to Stanley Cup Final
Corey Heim dominates at Gateway for fourth Truck Series win of 2024 season
Mets honor Darryl Strawberry in fitting fashion during number retirement ceremony
Phillies ace leaves game after taking 106 mph comebacker to hand
Real Madrid defeats Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to win Champions League
Marvin Lewis opens up about about return to NFL coaching
Celtics HC shares Kristaps Porzingis update ahead of NBA Finals
Jalen Brunson claps back at tiredness narrative after Knicks' playoff exit
Red Sox lose yet another player to injury
Former NFL GM has huge praise for Packers QB Jordan Love
Drake Maye reportedly being treated as Patriots' QB3
Veteran 1B rejects outright assignment, elects free agency
Giannis Antetokounmpo to play for Greece in Olympic qualifier
Padres lose two top pitchers to injured list on same day
Fever announce remarkable attendance milestone in fifth 2024 home game
Senators reportedly undecided on qualifying defenseman
Lamar Jackson's curious offseason decision costing him significant money
Blue Jays two-time All-Star pitcher lands on IL for second time this season
Lakers set to benefit from Pelicans’ NBA Draft decision
One rookie quarterback is showing 'elite downfield accuracy' during OTAs

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.