Geoffrey Kondogbia has completed his transfer from Valencia to La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid. The midfielder has signed a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Kondogbia Completes Atletico Madrid Move
✅ Geoffrey Kondogbia passed his medical at @ClinicaNavarra before signing his contract as a new Red & White player 💪🏼
🏧 #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/kTsOwEXx88
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 3, 2020
Thomas Partey Replacement
Kondogbia’s move comes despite the transfer window being closed. However, under La Liga rules, clubs are allowed an extra 30 days to replace a player who’s release clause was paid.
That was the case with Thomas Partey, who signed for Arsenal last month after the North London club paid his reported release clause of £45million.
Both Kondogbia and Partey are seen as combative midfield players. Kondogbia’s arrival at Atletico Madrid is, therefore, a like-for-like replacement in terms of personnel.
Interestingly, Arsenal have been linked with Kondogbia as far back as 2015. Former Gunners manager Arsene Wenger was reportedly a fan of the midfielder.
It will be interesting to see if Arsenal signed the right midfield general.
Geoffrey Kondogbia Boosts Atletico Hopes of First League Title Since 2014
Kondogbia had previously represented France in five international friendlies, before deciding to represent the Central African Republic in 2018.
He played 104 times for Valencia in all competitions during his three years at the club. He scored seven goals and recorded six assists in that time.
Kondogbia’s arrival will bolster an Atletico squad which has the best chance of winning La Liga in recent years.
The duopoly of Barcelona and Real Madrid are yet to fully convince this season. Barcelona are 12th in the table, having only won once in their past five league matches.
Real Madrid are faring better – they are currently in 2nd, although their form has been patchy in the Champions League.
Atletico are currently 4th but would go top if they win both of their games in hand.
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