Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia from Valencia, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.
With Thomas Partey joining Arsenal, Diego Simeone was keen to bring in a replacement and the club were granted a special dispensation from La Liga to complete a deal for someone outside the transfer window.
?⚪ #WelcomeKondogbia
Agreement with @valenciacf_en on the transfer of Geoffrey Kondogbia. The midfielder has a contract until 2024.
ℹ https://t.co/jin2mHJW7p
? #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/AbUJpbFuZJ
— Atletico de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 3, 2020
Atletico eventually settled on Kondogbia as the party’s replacement man in the middle of the park and moved quickly to complete the signing. The club have now confirmed the 27-year-old’s arrival on their official website after he successfully passed his medical and signed a four-year deal.
Atleti are said to have paid in the region of €15m-€20m for Kondogbia. While La Liga allowed Los Chica to sign the midfielder despite the fact that the window is no longer open, as part of the conditions, the new recruit can either move to another top-flight club in Spain. Was playing or is currently a free agent.
Of course, this will limit Simeone’s options somewhat, but the club have decided to complete a deal for Kondogbia before the November 5 deadline.
?⚪ #WelcomeKondogbia
✅ Geoffrey Kondogbia passed his medical at @ClinicaNavarra before signing his contract as a new Red & White player?
? #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/kTsOwEXx88
— Atletico de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 3, 2020
Madrid were able to bring in Lucas Torreira on loan from Arsenal during the recent transfer window, but he has only started two games in the league so far. Simeone also has Koke, Hector Herrera and Marcos Llorente vying for a starting place in the middle of the park, although the latter is now operating in a more advanced role as a result of his attacking threat.
The addition of Kondogbia will give Simeone a different dimension in midfield, given his strength and reading of the game. Indeed, the midfielder – who now represents the Central African Republic – will look to help his new side strengthen at the back, with Simeone’s side scoring a dangerous six goals in their opening two Champions League group games.