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| David Villa |
Barcelona has confirmed that Spain international
striker David Villa will be sold to Atlético de Madrid.
According to the Catalan club, "The transfer
total will reach a maximum of €5.1 million spread out with over €2.1 million
this season, two million more if the player stays at Atlético de Madrid for the
2014/15 season and another million if he extends his contract until the 2015/16
season. Additionally, the club retains 50% of the rights on a future transfer
of the player."
Problems signing Álvaro Negredo had forced the
Atlético directors to look at new options in order to reinforce the team's
front line. David Villa's name was then thrown into the mix.
The Asturian had an €11 million contract at
Barcelona. This meant that the only way that the deal would be feasible was for
the Catalan club to let the international go on an almost symbolic price, as
has finally been the case. The player will also have to take a considerable pay
cut compared to what he earned at his former club.
According to reports by the newspaper 'Mundo
Deportivo', Caminero and Gil Marín met with Villa on Thursday in Gijón. On
Monday afternoon, FC Barcelona officially announced the deal.
Villa joined Barcelona three years ago in the
summer of 2010. The Asturian has won everything possible at the club. He played
extremely well in his first season and scored a goal in the Champions League
final.
In his second season, he was dealt a blow when he
broke his tibia and in his third season he did not feature much under Tito
Vilanova. With the arrival of Neymar, it seemed it was going to be difficult
for Villa to get into the team ahead of next year's World Cup.
Atlético has signed the Spaniard as a replacement
for Radamel Falcao, who left the club for Monaco for the fee of €45 million.
Simeone had complained about the lack of signings last week, but he now has a
striker. According to Atlético, the deal will be sealed once the player passes
the medical.
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