Atletico Madrid have agreed a deal with Croatian goalkeeper Ivo Grbic after he turned down a move to West Bromwich Albion, according to Marca.
With Los Colchoneros crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of a thrilling RB Leipzig side on Thursday night, the impending arrival of a little-known shot-stopper is unlikely to act as much of a consolation.
But Grbic’s impending arrival should not be taken for granted.
Atletico have fought off plenty of competition to sign a man who, while hardly a household name in Madrid or the Midlands, is viewed as one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in European football.
Marca claims that Grbic has even rejected the chance to link up with compatriot Slaven Bilic at Premier League newcomers West Brom.
He will join Atletico in a £5 million switch, having agreed a four-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano, according to 24Sata.
“I don’t know anything about the transfer yet, I need to speak with the board,” Grbic’s coach at Lokomotiva, Goran Tomic, tells Marca. “But if it’s true, then he is well worthy of moving to such a big club.
“I rate him as the best Croatian ‘keeper.”
Grbic will likely be tasked with providing competition for Jan Oblak at Atletico, with Diego Simeone’s side choosing him over Marko Dmitrovic, Rui Silva and Jose Sa (Goal).
Oblak, arguably the world’s finest shot-stopper, has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Thibaut Courtois, Diego Costa and Felipe Luis, although a move to Chelsea feels unlikely this summer thanks to his mammoth price-tag.
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