At least in the transfer business, Atletico have outdone Spain’s Big 2. Both Barca and Real had problem areas that needed to be addressed urgently. However, both have underwhelmed.
The club unveiled Hermoso at their Wandsa Metropolitano stadium in the same press conference where they introduced England right-back Kieran Tripper, bought the day before from Tottenham for a reported 22 million euros.
In a busy day of Serie A transfer activity, Luca Pellegrini became reigning champions Juventus’ first summer signing after moving from Roma on a 22-million-euro ($25 million) four-year deal.
Griezmann received whistles at the City of Valencia Stadium from the visiting fans, who were also heard chanting “out, out, out” before goals from Sergio Camello and Rodrigo ensured Atletico at least ended the season with a draw.
Godin, 33, has played 387 times for Atletico since joining from Villarreal in 2010, scoring 27 goals - including famously clinching the club’s first La Liga title in 18 years with a header in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in 2014.