Atletico Madrid Confirm Signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia From Valencia

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia from Valencia, with the midfielder putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.

With Thomas Partey joining Arsenal, Diego Simeone was looking to bring in a replacement and the club were given special dispensation from La Liga to complete a deal for someone outside of the transfer window.

Atletico ultimately settled on Kondogbia as the man to replace Partey in the centre of the park and have moved swiftly to complete the signing. The club have now confirmed the arrival of the 27-year-old on their official website after he successfully passed his medical examinations and signed a four-year deal.

It's said Atleti have paid in the region of €15m-€20m for Kondogbia. While La Liga granted permission to Los Che to sign a midfielder despite the fact the window is no longer open, as part of the conditions, the new recruit had to be either playing for another top flight club in Spain or currently a free agent.

Of course, this will have limited Simeone's options somewhat, but the club have decided to conclude a deal for Kondogbia before the 5th November deadline.

Madrid were able to bring in Lucas Torreira on loan from Arsenal during the recent transfer window, but he has so far only started two games in the league. Simeone also has Koke, Hector Herrera and Marcos Llorente vying for a starting spot in the centre of the park, although the latter is now operating in a more advanced role as a result of his attacking threat.

The addition of Kondogbia will give Simeone a different dimension in midfield, considering his strength and reading of the game. Indeed, the midfielder - who now represents the Central African Republic - will be looking to help his new side tighten up at the back, with Simeone's side conceding an alarming six goals in their opening two Champions League group games.