Argentine star Nicolas Gaitan will appear for Atletico Madrid next season, with the La Liga club confirming that they have reached an agreement with Benfica to sign the creative midfielder. Gaitan is currently appearing for Argentina in the Copa America Centenario and will travel to Madrid to complete the necessary formalities after the conclusion of the Albiceleste’s participation in the tournament.
A statement on Atletico Madrid’s official website says:
Atlético de Madrid and Benfica have reached an agreement for the transfer of Nicolás Gaitán to our club. The midfielder is currently playing the Copa América with Argentina, and will travel to Madrid after the tournament that is being held in the United States, to finish all the necessary formalities so he can join the red and white team.Gaitán was born in San Martin 28 years ago. He played two seasons (2008-10) in the first team of Boca Juniors, where he trained in the ranks. From there, he took the leap and was singed by Benfica in June of 2010, where he's played the last six seasons. He has played 252 matches with the team from Lisbon and has scored 41 goals. The midfielder has been a full international with Argentina 15 times, scoring 2 goals.
Gaitan represents a great signing for Atletico Madrid, with the Benfica midfielder propelling the Portuguese club to multiple trophies, attracting interest from top Premier League clubs such as Manchester United.
With 11 goals and 20 assists in 37 games for Benfica last season, the 28-year-old’s powers have not diminished with age, and thus ought to command a big fee that Atletico will be paying. It represents a significant profit for Benfica who paid €8.4 million when signing the Argentine from Boca Juniors.
Gaitan won 10 trophies in six seasons with Benfica, including 3 consecutive league titles, although he experienced heartache with multiple Europa League final losses.
Diego Simeone might be considered be a big factor in Gaitan signing for Atletico Madrid, with the Argentine manager crucial in luring the midfielder to star in La Liga. Gaitan will fit in well with the Rojiblancos, with his hard-working yet creative style of play a perfect reflection of Atletico’s style that has taken them to the UEFA Champions League final.
