Atletico Madrid may have been left incensed by the nature of Thomas Partey’s deadline day move to Arsenal but that fury soon turned to focus.
There was no time to mourn the departure of their Ghanaian ball-winner. And Atleti, a side grown used to seeing star players lured away by the bright lights of London, Barcelona and Manchester, have wasted no time in finding a replacement.
Thomas may have left the building – but the Partey goes on.
According to ESPN, Atletico have been permitted to sign Valencia’s Geoffrey Kondogbia outside the transfer window thanks to a 30-day extension granted by the same La Liga organisation that allowed Barcelona to raid Leganes for Martin Braithwaite in February.
Diego Simeone’s side will pay £15 million, with the France international expected to undergo a medical at the Wanda Metropolitano on Monday (Marca).
So how on earth does this relate to Leeds United?
Well, it’s simple really.
Kondogbia wasn’t the only man Atletico had identified as Partey’s replacement.
But, according to La Razon, their pursuit of Jose Campana was over as soon as Levante president Quique Catalan made it clear the former Crystal Palace youngster wouldn’t be going anywhere for a penny less than £25 million.
Kondogbia might not possess Campana’s close control or defence-splitting abilities but, at £10 million less, value can’t be ignored in today’s market.
That’s not to say Campana’s long-term future lies on the Castellon coast, however. Catalan told Marca in October the newly capped Spain international has asked to leave in 2021 and it’s no secret Leeds are still in the market for a midfielder capable of adapting to Marcelo Bielsa’s possession-heavy principles.
It remains to be seen whether the Premier League newcomers are willing to pay the £25 million Levante want after seeing a £14 million offer rejected a few weeks ago (SuperDeporte).
But with Atletico now dropping out of the race, Leeds’ task has been made that little bit easier.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
