At His Peak, He Was Worth 100 Million!

Atletico Madrid has been linked with several forwards this transfer window, including Julian Alvarez, Dani Olmo, and Niclas Füllkrug, as they seek a replacement for Alvaro Morata. In contrast, Jan Oblak remains Atletico's most reliable defender and balance point. The stats tell the story: in 446 appearances for the Colchoneros, the Slovenian goalkeeper has conceded only 368 goals and kept 207 clean sheets. With a transfer fee of €16 million, his value is unquestionable. His honors include a Europa League title, a La Liga title, and a Spanish Super Cup, all testaments to this strong partnership.

At his peak, Oblak's market value reached €100 million, making him the highest-valued goalkeeper in the world in 2020. However, his rise to stardom wasn't immediate; it was forged through high-stakes encounters. In the 2015 Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, Oblak made eight saves, earning a hard-fought draw. In the 2017 Europa League semi-final first leg against Arsenal, he made seven saves, allowing 10-man Atletico to escape unscathed. In the 2020 Champions League round of 16 second leg against Liverpool, he made 11 saves, once again becoming Atletico's savior.

Last season, Atletico slipped from their usual top-three finish in La Liga, prompting self-assessment. Oblak was scrutinized. Despite conceding 68 goals in 53 appearances and keeping 15 clean sheets, which is respectable compared to others, it was his worst season in a decade at Atletico. This led "AS" to report that Oblak was no longer untouchable. Although not to scapegoat Oblak, when a team's performance declines, everyone can become a target, including coach Diego Simeone.

At 31, Oblak still has the ability and opportunity to redeem himself. Winning the Zamora Trophy five times might not be a guarantee, as seen with David De Gea's situation at Manchester United. Finding a suitable replacement in the transfer market is challenging. Last season, in the Champions League round of 16 second leg, Oblak saved two penalties, becoming the first goalkeeper in 12 years to do so in a penalty shootout. Despite Atletico not advancing past Inter Milan, relying on Oblak to consistently play the hero isn't practical. Yet, he has contributed significantly to Atletico's reputation for strong defense, giving Simeone the confidence to maintain his position.

Oblak's market value has dropped to €30 million, but he is far from done. In the recent European Championship, he made 16 saves, matching Gianluigi Donnarumma's performance. In Slovenia's round of 16 penalty shootout loss to Portugal, Oblak made six saves and stopped a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty. Although they were close to a miracle, Oblak earned respect for his performance. He's also saved penalties from both Messi and Ronaldo, reinforcing his reputation under pressure. Simeone aptly described him as "our Messi in the box."

Though saying "time waits for no one" seems premature for Oblak, media coverage has amplified his perceived decline. In the 2021-22 season against Villarreal, he saved a penalty but also made a handling error leading to a goal. Fans excused it as balancing the scales. Last season, Atletico conceded four goals in three different matches, prompting thoughts of a goalkeeper change. Atletico did approach Getafe's David Soria. How long the satisfaction with a new keeper lasts is uncertain, especially given Oblak's ten years of success at Atletico. Replacing De Gea with Andre Onana at Manchester United shows it's not always straightforward.

Atletico signed Oblak in 2014 to replace Thibaut Courtois, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship. Fans' suggestions should not sever this bond. Simeone reaffirmed Oblak's value last season, stating twice that he is "one of the best goalkeepers in the world." When Saudi clubs showed interest, Atletico promptly denied any plans to sell: "This goalkeeper is very important to the club; there are no negotiations for his departure."

During his prime, Oblak attracted interest from Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. Chelsea attempted to activate his €100 million release clause in 2018 before signing Kepa Arrizabalaga, but Oblak turned down the move to Stamford Bridge. Although he doesn't regret his choice, he admits to harboring an "English Premier League dream."

In 2010, Fulham had him on trial for a week but didn't sign him. Oblak instead developed at Benfica, later establishing himself at Atletico. He acknowledges, "I will play in the Premier League someday, but I don't know when." If Atletico decides to part ways, Oblak still has the chance to fulfill his Premier League dream, though it would compromise Atletico's strong defense. His statement, "I have a contract with Atletico," is both a declaration and a plea for salvation. Having become Atletico's most-capped foreign player, Oblak is committed to staying with the club.