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Football transfers: Portugal's Martins signs for Atletico Madrid

Last updated on: July 25, 2018 23:02 IST

Portugal forward Gelson Martins has signed with Atletico Madrid as a free agent for six years

IMAGE: Portugal forward Gelson Martins has signed with Atletico Madrid as a free agent for six years. Photograph: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Portugal winger Gelson Martins has signed for Atletico Madrid as a free agent, the Spanish side said on Wednesday.

"Our club has reached an agreement with Gelson Martins, making him a new Atletico player," said a statement from last season's La Liga runners-up.

 

"The Portuguese attacker, who arrives as a free agent, has signed for six seasons."

Martins rescinded his contract with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon last month, one of nine players to quit the club after an attack in May on a training camp by hooded supporters, some armed with sticks, in which Dutch forward Bas Dost was injured and the dressing room was vandalised.

The incidents came at the end of a tumultuous campaign for Sporting who finished third in the Primeira Liga and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Martins has been capped 19 times for Portugal and was part of their squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, appearing as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Morocco.

Martins, 23, is Atletico's fifth signing of the close season, following the acquisitions of Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco, Rodri from Villarreal, Jonny Castro from Celta Vigo and Antonio Adan from Real Betis.

Southampton's Clasie joins Feyenoord on season-long loan

Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie will join Dutch side Feyenoord on a season-long loan deal, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Dutch international returns to Feyenoord, where he made 155 appearances over four years, before arriving at St Mary's in 2015.

Last season, Clasie was away on loan at Club Brugge and helped them win the Belgian first division title.

Clasie has made 49 appearances for Southampton but manager Mark Hughes has opted against bringing him back into his first-team plans ahead of the new season.

Atalanta sign Chelsea midfielder Pasalic on loan

Atalanta have signed midfielder Mario Pasalic on loan from Premier League Chelsea, the Serie A club said on Wednesday (http://www.atalanta.it).

The Croatia international, who has six caps, spent last season on loan at Russian top-flight club Spartak Moscow, where he made 21 league appearances, scoring four goals.

The 23-year-old, who has also played for Spanish side Elche and Monaco in Ligue 1, played on loan at Serie A rivals AC Milan two years ago.

Source: REUTERS
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