Soccer Transfer Rumors: Mario Mandzukic to Leave Bayern Munich for £17.5 Million Deal with Atletico Madrid
Mario Mandzukic will leave Bayern Munich as multiple reports indicated that the striker is set for a £17.5 million move to Atletico Madrid this summer.
Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer confirmed the rumored transfer, saying that the German club and Atletico Madrid already had a verbal agreement on Mandzukic's move to Spain.
Sammer said that no deal is signed at this point, but he insisted that the transfer will be announced by both clubs anytime soon.
"There is a verbal agreement between Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as between Atletico and Mario Mandzukic," Sammer said via Marca. "There's nothing signed yet but I think we can trust each other's words. We want to thank Mario Mandzukic for his performances at Bayern and wish him all the best for the future."
According to German newspaper Bild, the 28-year-old striker will sign a five-year deal with Atletico Madrid. And once the deal is finalized, Mandzukic will become Atletico's most expensive signing since acquiring Colombian striker Radamel Falcao in 2011.
Mandzukic, who scored 33 league goals for Bayern Munich last season, is expected to fill in the void left by Diego Costa, who will be playing for Chelsea next season.
The Croatia international has been a solid attacking option for Bayern since signing with the German club in 2012, but he expressed desire for a change of scenery following the arrival of former Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to get Pep Guardiola's nod as their main attacker next season.
"I've had a fantastic time at Bayern. It's a great club and I never thought I'd want to leave, and especially not at this point in time," Mandzukic said before the 2014 FIFA World Cup started. "But, let's be honest, I cannot play to my strengths under Guardiola's style -- no matter how hard I try."
Aside from Mandzukic, Atletico Madrid is also expected to make a push to acquire Romelu Lukaku as reports indicated that Chelsea are willing to put the striker on loan.
Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo was also an option for Atletico, but acquiring Mandzukic eliminates their ability to lure the Spanish forward, who is being valued at around £25 million.
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