Axel Witsel chooses Atlético Madrid over Marseille
L’Équipe report today that Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel has chosen Atlético Madrid over Marseille for a summer move, as he leaves Borussia Dortmund at the end of his contract. OM had identified the Belgian international as their priority target to replace Boubacar Kamara, who left his formative club for Aston Villa on a free transfer this summer after a protracted contract renewal saga. The player himself had acknowledged the contacts with the Ligue 1 side earlier in the week, but the 33-year-old will instead sign a one-year contract with the Spaniards, with an option for an extra season. Marseille’s offer was a two-year deal with a potential third season which would be triggered should he reach a certain number of appearances in his second camapign. He was also assured of a starting place in a Champions League side. Witsel, who leaves the Bundesliga after four years, was Marseille’s first choice, but they are also looking at Villarreal’s Francis Coquelin. The former Arsenal man is under contract in Spain until 2024, and would reportedly command a fee of between €5m and €10m. GFFN
Atlético Madrid compete with Marseille for Axel Witsel, decision expected soon
As reported by Le10Sport, Marseille face strong competition in their pursuit of soon-to-be out-of-contract Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel. Marseille have offered a two-year deal for the 33-year-old Belgian international, with an option for a third season and a salary of €4m per year. Both Witsel and his wife are now keen on the move to France after OM spent the last two weeks convincing the former Zenit player to join. However, having received many proposals this summer, Witsel is now deciding between just two – Marseille’s and one from Atlético Madrid, and it’s the Spanish club that have a slight advantage as things stand, say the outlet. However, nothing has been decided as yet with OM very much in the running thanks to their return to the Champions League, a very competitive offer and the persuasive powers of coach Jorge Sampaoli and president Pablo Longoria. The player is expected to make a final decision in the coming days. A stalwart of the Belgian national team, Witsel has tallied 122 Belgian caps, scoring 12 goals, in a 14-year international career, and played 145 times for Dortmund after returning to Europe from Chinese football in 2018. GFFN
Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd's De Jong issue, Liverpool face Gomez reality, Mane latest
Ramsay sets out Liverpool ambitions Calvin Ramsay has no intention of playing second fiddle at Liverpool and wants to show everyone what he can do after completing his transfer from Aberdeen. With Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool's first choice right-back without much competition, it is hoped Ramsay can not only provide further support in the position but immediately challenge the England defender. And the teenager has declared as much in his first interview with the club, hoping to show his new coaches what he's capable of. "I’m just buzzing and it’s a dream come true really to be here,” Ramsay told Liverpoolfc.com. "It was a dream come true to play for Aberdeen, and now to be at one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world, it’s a massive achievement and I’m looking forward to trying to show the fans what I’ve got. "Hopefully I can come in in pre-season, show everyone at the club, the staff, players what I’ve got and then we’ll see what happens from there." Read more here.
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