Atletico Madrid sign Marcos Llorente amid Man City interest in Rodri
Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Marcos Llorente from rivals Real Madrid.
The midfielder, who can also play in defence, will sign a five-year contract with Atletico pending a medical, the club has confirmed.
Marcos Llorente’s career so far: Five key things to know…
- Llorente, 24, was born in Madrid and came through Real’s academy as a teenager.
- He made his senior debut for the club in 2015/16 before spending the 2016/17 season on loan at Alaves.
- Upon his return to Real, Llorente was part of the club’s Champions League winning squad in 2017/18.
- He scored his first goals for the club last season but made only 16 appearances across all competitions.
- The Spaniard has played nine times for his country’s Under-21 side.
The 24-year-old joined Real’s youth academy at the age of 13, spending the last 11 years at the Bernabeu.
But he will now move across the capital to join up with Diego Simeone.
A club statement read: “We welcome a great footballer, to whom we wish the best of luck in this beautiful and new challenge that is to play for Atletico Madrid.”
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Good news for Man City?
Llorente’s move to Atletico could be good news for Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola is reportedly trying to lure midfielder Rodri away from the Wanda Metropolitano, and it is believed City are ready to trigger Rodri’s €70m million release clause.
Llorente is likely a direct replacement for the 22-year-old, so City’s chances of signing Rodri may have just been boosted.
