Transfer window has been closed for some time now in all major European leagues, but La Liga side Atletico Madrid still managed to add a quality player. The club announced on Tuesday that they have acquired midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, signing the player to a four-year deal from Valencia.
Atletico was able to pull off the deal thanks to special permission granted to them by La Liga after Arsenal activated Thomas Partey’s release clause on the deadline day. They were allowed to sign a replacement for Partey if they do it in the next four weeks and if their target plays in Spain at that moment.
While Atletico didn’t disclose the financial terms of the deal, it is believed that Valencia will receive around $12 million for Kondogbia. The value of the deal could go up to $17 million with add-ons.
“A talented player arrives at Atletico Madrid, with great physical power that makes him rule the centre of the field,” said the club in an official statement announcing the move. “His good ball stealing also makes him stand out when it comes to intercepting opponent’s attacking plays, making him a very complete midfielder both for defensive tasks and for cutting-edge work when mounting counter-attacks.”
Geoffrey Kondogbia’s move away from Valencia was in the making for some time now as the 27-year-old player became unhappy with some of the club’s recent moves and overall lack of ambition. This included tearing apart a talented roster and saying goodbye to Dani Parejo, Rodrigo, and Ferran Torres.
Kondogbia initially joined Valencia on loan from Inter Milan in 2017, before making the move permanent next year. He previously also played with Lens, Sevilla, and Monaco.
