Done Deal: Gelson Martins Join AS Monaco On Season-Long Loan Deal

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Gelson Martins was one of the top signings for Atletico Madrid ahead of the 2018-19 season. Despite his controversial departure from Sporting Lisbon during the offseason – where he basically rescinded his contract and joined Los Colchoneros as a free agent – he was expected to make a big impact in a revamped midfield for Atletico alongside another new signing, Thomas Lemar.

However, things didn’t work according to plan. The 23-year-old winger only made 12 appearances for Diego Simeone’s men during the first half of the season, and it was quite clear he never ended settling on Spanish soil. And with that in mind, Atletico have decided to send him out on loan until the end of the campaign.

The destination has been none other than Monaco, and the Ligue 1 giants – who would get relegated to Ligue 2 if the season ended today – will certainly use his speed and pace in order to make him a game-changer presence on the wing. He could form an excellent tandem with Radamel Falcao upfront.

Of course, Martins’ departure opens up enough wage and first-team spots so Atletico can complete the move for Alvaro Morata, who already passed a medical with Los Colchoneros. The towering striker would add another interesting piece to an attacking line that already features the likes of Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann.

By all accounts, this seems like a move where both parties got benefited.