Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of striker Kevin Gameiro from fellow Liga BBVA club Sevilla.
Atletico Madrid have confirmed through their official website the capture of French forward Kevin Gameiro from Sevilla. The announcement, which was made earlier in the day, revealed that the forward has signed a four-year deal with the club subject to a medical. Gameiro was due to travel in the afternoon to Madrid to link up with his new teammates.
Kevin Gameiro was key to Sevilla’s three successive Europa League triumphs and established himself as one of the most feared La Liga strikers with a return of 67 goals and 17 assists in the past three seasons. The French forward was the subject of speculation throughout the summer with reports linking him with a move to Liga BBVA champions Barcelona. The Blaugranes‘ were rumoured to be close to completing a deal as Atletico Madrid came in with a late swoop and have snatched the striker under their rival’s nose.
#BIENVENIDOGAMEIRO. ¡@kevingameiro9 vestirá las próximas cuatro temporadas de rojiblanco! https://t.co/WDk03641iI pic.twitter.com/Sxkt0W5F7z
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) July 30, 2016
The clubs did not specify the amount involved but Spanish publication Marca have claimed that a fee close to €32m was paid by Atletico to secure the forward’s services, which could rise to €40m with incentives and add-ons. Rojiblancos‘ Sporting Director, José Luis Caminero, who is currently in Australia, had a few words to say about the signing.
“It is a great news because it is a reinforcement that will allow us to increase competition in the offensive part of the group. The player fits perfectly [into the team] and would strengthen our attack,” said the former Spanish footballer.
Caminero went on to add a few sentences highlighting the qualities of Kevin Gameiro that convinced them to go for the Frenchman.
“He is a very fast player, puts in great effort and has been competing in the Spanish league for several years, so adaptation into the team will be easier [than others].”
The player is 29 years of age and has the experience to lead the lines for Rojiblancos as they gear up to once again fight Liga BBVA’s two giant clubs in Barcelona and Real Madrid.
