Atletico Madrid News
Official: Atletico Madrid sign Memphis Depay from Barcelona
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Netherlands international forward Memphis Depay from La Liga rivals Barcelona, the clubs have officially confirmed.
The 28-year-old had become a top target for Diego Simeone’s side following the departures of Matheus Cunha and Joao Felix to Wolves and Chelsea, respectively.
They entered into negotiations with Barcelona for Depay, but were unwilling to pay any fee for his services as the Dutchman had just six months left on his contract.
However, the La Liga leaders demanded either a fee of €7 million or the inclusion of Yannick Carrasco in the deal, which led to doubts about a possible move as the Rojiblancos were unwilling to agree to either condition.
Ultimately, though, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona struck an agreement over a deal worth €3 million plus another €1 million in potential add-ons.
Personal terms were not an issue as Depay wanted to move to Atletico Madrid, having struggled for game-time at Barcelona this season.
The 28-year-old completed his medicals in Madrid on Thursday and has signed a contract with the Colchoneros that runs until the summer of 2025.
🇳🇱 ¡@Memphis es nuevo jugador rojiblanco! 🔴⚪
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 20, 2023
🖊 El internacional neerlandés ha firmado con nuestro club por lo que resta de temporada y dos campañas más.
➡ https://t.co/jSIshAR3Rx
👋 ¡#BienvenidoMemphis! 😊 pic.twitter.com/zvT0rKNC9U
Depay, thus, technically becomes the second player to sign for Atletico Madrid from Barcelona this season, after Antoine Griezmann’s loan deal was converted into a permanent transfer.
A versatile forward with plenty of experience at the highest level, Depay can be a good signing for Atletico if utilised right.
The Rojiblancos have struggled in the final third this season and will be hoping that the former Manchester United man’s arrival changes that in the coming weeks and months.
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.
