New Atletico Madrid star Thomas Lemar has vowed to change his style of play if required and said he is “very happy” to have finally sealed his transfer to La Liga. The former Monaco midfielder signed a contract to join Los Colchoneros during this summer’s World Cup in Russia, but the clubs had not formalised the deal until now. Lemar, who was well coveted with interest coming in from across Europe, signed on the dotted line at the same time as international team-mates Antoine Griezmann and Lucas Hernandez, who both extended their contracts in Madrid. Speaking at his official unveiling, he said “I’m very happy to be here. Antoine and Lucas have told me lots about the club. I’m very happy with the decision I made.“I know this team demands hard work and I’ll give it my all for the team. If I need to run more, I’ll do it without a problem.” With Lemar now playing alongside Griezmann and Hernandez at Atletico, bosses will be hoping they can recreate their world-winning form and give their side a real chance at challenging Real Madrid and Barcelona for domestic honours next season. Lemar is not the first new face to arrive at the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, though. Rodri has also arrived from Villarreal for a cool €20m, having played for Atletico’s youth side before joining the set up at the fellow La Liga outfit. His return to the club signals some competition for Thomas in the defensive midfield ranks.
Another new face at the club is – or, rather, was – Jonny Castro, but after completing his transfer from hometown club Celta Vigo for around €7m he was loaned out within 24 hours to Premier League newboys Wolves. That loan deal is for the full 2018/19 campaign, and so that deal was clearly one which was done with an eye for the future, allowing him to develop his game in the Premier League before perhaps being granted first team opportunities at the club next year. Gelson Martins has already arrived on a free transfer from Sporting Lisbon as well, and so Atletico have strengthened their squad while not really losing too much in the way of talented first team stars.
Fernando Torres did depart on a free transfer, bringing an end to his second stint at the club as he moved to play in the Japanese J1 League, signing for Sagan Tosu. In signing Lemar, Atletico may have replaced Torres’ ageing star power with a bright, well sought after, talented player whose game is more than capable of lifting a crowd during a lull in play. Atletico have done some really good business getting this deal over the line – and it could pay dividends come the end of the campaign.
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If you feel La Liga specifically is more your cup of tea, then head over to Fantasy Liga, where you can play a version of the game containing only players and teams from the Spanish game. That is always an alternative if you prefer a more specific style of fantasy football management.
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