MADRID (SPAIN) – Atletico Madrid have roped in French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Valencia, said the La Liga clubs on Tuesday.
Kondogbia, 27, inked a four-year agreement with Atletico and replaces Thomas Partey, who went on to join Arsenal before the close of the transfer window after his 50-m-euro release clause was activated by the Premier League club.
La Liga rules allow clubs who have lost a player after their release clause was triggered to sign another player within a month provided they already play in Spain or are out of contract.
“Atletico Madrid and Valencia CF have reached an agreement over the transfer of Geoffrey Kondogbia,” Atletico said in a statement. “The box-to-box footballer is a strong presence in midfield and contributes defensively and offensively.”
Kondogbia began his career with French side Lens before moving to Sevilla and had an ugly confrontation with Atletico striker Diego Costa in a 2013 Copa del Rey tie.
He later moved to AS Monaco and Inter Milan, joining Valencia on loan in 2017 before completing a permanent move the following year.
