Monaco star Thomas Lemar has signed for Atletico Madrid. A fee in the region of £63 million is being reported, but yet to be confirmed by the club.
Thomas Lemar Signs for Atletico Madrid
Despite the French star having a mixed year following his erratic form in Ligue 1, he was a target for Madrid. He was a surprise inclusion in the French squad now deployed in Russia. Many feeling therefore that Anthony Martial was more deserving of a place in Didier Dechamp’s regime.
The Rise of Thomas Lemar
Lemar broke through two seasons ago. An impressive debut campaign saw him linked with the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal.
However, last season was not so impressive, with the versatile midfielder contributing only two goals and eight assists. Lemar’s strength is his versatility. He can play in either attacking or central midfield, or grace either wing. Lemar is very creative, and the drop in quality around him at Monaco could be the reason for his own loss of form.
Last summer the club sold Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy. Ergo, a lack of quality support for Lamar ensued. Aged just 22, Lamar will mature and develop further. In today’s inflated market, the reported fee of £63 million may prove to be one of the bargains of the summer. A bonus for the Europa League Champions.
Atletico Madrid’s project
Alongside the signing of Thomas Lemar, Atletico have also announced contract extensions signed by Antoine Griezmann and Theo Hernandez.
Griezmann was heavily linked with a move all summer, with various clubs being named in the chase. However, he released a bizarre video on Social Media earlier this week indiciating his commital to the Madrid side.
Securing their biggest asset whilst signing big name youngsters, indicates that Atletico Madrid are again preparing to use Europa League success as a springboard for Champions League and La Liga challenges. Vital, if they are to keep pace with arch rivals Real Madrid in the battle for dominance in the Spanish capital.
📝 Preliminary agreement with @AS_Monaco_EN over the transfer of Thomas Lemar
👉 https://t.co/WwsvqzPsfq #AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/NnUwAPLCCC— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) June 12, 2018
