Atletico Madrid News
Former Real Madrid playmaker opens up on failed Atletico Madrid transfer in 2019
Two UEFA Champions League titles, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, two La Liga titles and a Spanish Super Cup – this extensive list of silverware is the collection James Rodriguez accumulated during his spell with Real Madrid.
Earlier this week, the Colombian spoke to El Chiringuito TV about the end of his Real Madrid career. Atletico Madrid were close to acquiring his services in the summer of 2019, but the deal fell apart in the final minute.
When asked to explain why his move to Diego Simeone’s side failed, Rodriguez said: “It was the second year I was at Bayern Munich. In March, I see that there is great interest from Atletico Madrid and Bayern wanted to buy me at that time.
“I wanted to be close to my children and in Munich I was alone. I told the club that I didn’t want them to exercise the purchase option.
“At first they told me no, but then they said yes. They talked about contracts and prices. Almost everything was done, but after losing 7-3 to Atletico in pre-season, [Real] Madrid didn’t let me out.”
The game referred to by the player is the infamous International Champions Cup Madrid derby on 27th July 2019. The game at MetLife Stadium saw Los Blancos torn apart by Atletico. At the hour mark, the men in white trailed 6-0.
Rodriguez signed for Real Madrid in 2014 after an impressive World Cup campaign and spent three years in Spain. He then moved to Bayern Munich on loan until 2019 and looked for an exit from Real Madrid immediately after the conclusion of his spell in Germany.
After his move to Atletico fell apart, the player stayed at the club for another season before joining Everton in 2020 as a free agent. Now, he plays for Al Rayyan in the Stars League.
In 195 career appearances for Real Madrid, the Colombian playmaker scored 37 goals. Yet, statistics will never do justice to the stupendous and jaw-dropping goals he scored for the club with his magical left foot.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
