Atlético Madrid have confirmed the signing of Spanish international midfielder Tere Abelleira on a free transfer, with the 26-year-old agreeing a contract until 30 June 2027.
The former Real Madrid midfielder joins Atlético after six seasons with their city rivals, marking a significant move within Spanish women’s football. However, Abelleira is still recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in 2025 and will undergo an arthroscopic procedure as part of her rehabilitation.
The transfer brings an experienced World Cup-winning midfielder to Atlético’s squad, although her return to competitive football remains dependent on her recovery.
Tere Abelleira Signs Atlético Madrid Contract Until June 2027
Atlético Madrid announced Abelleira’s arrival on 21 October 2026, confirming that the midfielder has joined as a free agent for the remainder of the 2026/27 season.
Born in Pontevedra on 9 January 2000, Abelleira developed through the youth system at Deportivo de La Coruña before progressing into the first team.
She helped Deportivo secure promotion to Spain’s top division and subsequently represented the Galician club in Liga F during the 2019/20 campaign. Her performances earned her a move to Real Madrid in 2020, where she spent the following six seasons.
Now, Tere Abelleira begins a new chapter with Atlético Madrid, exchanging one of the Spanish capital’s biggest clubs for another. The agreement runs until 30 June 2027, with Atlético securing the midfielder’s services without paying a transfer fee.
Atlético Confirm Further Knee Procedure
Abelleira’s arrival comes during the final stages of her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in 2025. Atlético confirmed that the midfielder underwent an assessment by the club’s medical staff alongside a specialist orthopaedic surgeon.
Following that evaluation, the decision was made for Abelleira to undergo a knee arthroscopy in the coming days. The procedure is intended to optimise her recovery and help her return to competition in the best possible condition.
Atlético have not announced a specific date for her return to training or competitive action. Although the club describes Abelleira as being in the final phase of rehabilitation, the additional procedure means her immediate availability remains uncertain.
World Cup Winner Brings International Experience
Abelleira arrives with significant experience at both club and international level. After representing Spain throughout the youth national team system, she made her senior international debut in 2020.
The midfielder subsequently became an important part of the Spanish national team’s setup, contributing to one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.
She was part of Spain’s squad that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, securing the country’s first world title. Abelleira also helped Spain win the UEFA Women’s Nations League in 2024.
Before her knee injury, she had established herself as an important midfielder within Spain’s tactical system. Her international achievements underline the experience Atlético are adding to their squad, even if her return to full fitness will require further patience.
What Abelleira’s Arrival Means for Atlético Madrid
Abelleira’s signing provides Atlético Madrid with an experienced central midfielder who has competed at the highest levels of Spanish and international women’s football.
Her background at Deportivo, Real Madrid and the Spanish national team gives her valuable experience as she prepares for a new challenge. However, the immediate priority is her recovery rather than an early debut.
Source: Atlético de Madrid
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