Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan join Chinese club Dalian Yifang
What's the story
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid confirmed both Nicolas Gaitan and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco have parted ways the club to pursue their careers with Dalian Yifang in the Chinese Super League. The players from Argentina and Belgium are the latest entrants in the Chinese Super League, after they were deemed surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid.
Surplus
Atletico Madrid sell midfield duo to Chinese Super League
The midfield players have struggled to make an impact this season and were overlooked by coach Diego Simeone. Both the players were not a part of Atletico's 5-2 thrashing of Sevilla last weekend. Atletico Madrid are currently placed second in La Liga, seven points behind league leaders FC Barcelona.
Twitter Post
Carrasco gambles big by moving to Chinese Super League
.@CarrascoY21 and @nicogaitan will join Dalian Yifang on a permanent deal.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) February 26, 2018
Best of luck in China!
➡ https://t.co/M9mmraDNKM
➡ https://t.co/PVytuVRpcp pic.twitter.com/cWOCoGzY8s
Diminished
Atletico now left with just 17 players on the squad
Both the players were sold for an undisclosed amount by the Spanish Giants. Atletico are not only competing for La Liga but they are also hoping to win the Europa League this season. However, having sold Gaitan and Carrasco, as well as the likes of Kranevitter, Theo Hernandez, Luciano Vietto and Augusto Fernandez earlier, they are left with just 17 outfield-players on their squad.
Poor fee
Midfield duo did not fetch massive bids
However, as per reports, Carrasco's sale has likely fetch Atletico €30 million and Gaitan's €18 million. The Belgian has scored 23 goals and 17 assists in 124 appearances since his move from AS Monaco. Gaitan, who joined from Portuguese side Benfica in 2016, made 49 appearances and has scored just 3 goals for the club.