Atletico Madrid have won the race to sign Porto striker Jackson Martinez this summer, according to the player’s agent Luiz Henrique Pompeo. The Colombian international is said to have set the Spaniards back around €35M, and will pen a four-year deal after the Copa America.
“It was finalized (Tuesday). It’s a very big club, which has done important things in the league and in Europe. Jackson is going there to also achieve great things and to bring the best out of himself to become even better. That’s his dream and he’s very excited. He’s really happy,” said Pompeo.
Martinez has been courted by a host of sides in the last 12 months, with Premier League side Arsenal and Italian Serie A outfit AC Milan having been linked with his signature this summer and last. He’s enjoyed a fantastic campaign on a personal note, scoring 32 goals in all competitions, and joins Atleti in the form of his career.
The 28-year-old was a late arrival to Europe, joining Porto back in 2012, but has been outstanding ever since, scoring 92 goals in 133 games. It’s easy to see why the likes of Arsenal and co. were so interested in him, and the their loss is certainly Atletico’s gain. The La Liga giants have lost Diego Costa and Mario Mandzukic in consecutive summers, but the Colombia will certainly dry the tears.
Manager Diego Simeone has no signs of leaving the Vicente Calderon, and is holding out slim hope of challenging for the title again. Given Martinez has scored 20 or more goals in each of his last seasons, they certainly have the firepower to challenge if he’s given good support. Coupled with the creativity and prolific finishing of the likes of Antoine Griezmann in the side, the Spaniards could well rise again and become a major force.
They have a good record with Colombian strikers too, with Radamel Falcao enjoying a fantastic period of success at the Calderon, before he was sold in a £52M deal to French Ligue One side AS Monaco. Martinez will be hoping he can replicate his international teammate in Spain, and the world will get a good look at him in the Champions League.
While many players who spend prolonged periods of their career in South America can struggle back in Europe, the 28-year-old has taken it all in his stride. He ‘s at the pinnacle in his career, and wants something to show for it when he finally hangs up his boots. So can Jackson Martinez win a major trophy with his new club?
