David Villa – Barcelona to Atletico Madrid (£4.4m)
What’s the deal? How has this somehow happen? Villa wanted to start, to stay in Spain, and to play in the Champions League. Atletico had a Falcao to replace.
Is the price right? This is a literally unbelievable price. How, they’ve managed to get him for so cheap is baffling.
Why sign him? Because he’s David Villa. They needed to replace Falcao and they’ve managed to do so at a profit of £45.5m. Villa will bring goal power and Atletico can now use the spare money to sign some creative players which they badly need.
Why sell him? Even before signing Neymar Barcelona had too many forwards. They did right by allowing Villa to leave to a club which offered him everything he wanted. Takes away the distraction of having him at the club too.
Will it work? Yes. Falcao thrived on the Atletico supply so there’s no reason for David Villa not to.
Grade: A++ Great value. Great fit. Motivated player. Profit of £45m and you still end up with David Villa. This is excellent.