Mohammed Salisu will face a difficult task in convincing Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid-target Mohammed Salisu will face a difficult task in trying to convince Diego Simeone should he make the switch to the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano in the summer.

The Ghanaian youngster has been heavily linked with a summer move to the Rojiblancos following his impressive debut season performance for Real Valladolid in the Spanish top-flight.

However, recent records indicate that signing for the capital-based club is a big challenge especially for young defenders as a number of players before him have failed to succeed under Diego Simeone.

Toby Alderweireld is one such example after signing from Ajax.

The Tottenham Hotspurs defender played his part, but he was always in the shadow of Joao Miranda and Diego Godin.

Emiliano Velazquez wasn't able to manage more than a few pre-seasons under the Argentine, which also proved to be the case for Nehuen Perez and Francisco Montero.

Even Mario Hermoso, who arrived with a reputation in LaLiga Santander, has struggled to replicate his best form and establish himself in the team.

Jose Maria Gimenez is one of the few who has won Cholo over, but that came after a period of acclimatisation and he gained importance after Miranda left.

Lucas Hernandez had less trouble than anyone, shining with Los Rojiblancos before leaving in an 80 million euro move to Bayern Munich.

It remains to be seen, though, Atletico Madrid would keep Salisu at the club or loan him back to Real Valladolid for a season. Read Full Story