Madrid, Spain – Atletico Madrid signs Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad, swiftly replacing long-serving defender Stefan Savic, who has moved to Turkish side Trabzonspor. The confirmed transfer sees the Euro 2024-winning Le Normand join Atletico Madrid for a reported £25 million.
Stefan Savic’s Departure
Stefan Savic, a seasoned defender known for his consistent performances, leaves Atletico Madrid after a notable nine-year tenure. His career has been punctuated with numerous accolades, including key trophies such as the Premier League title with Manchester City in the 2011/2012 season and the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid in 2020/2021. His transfer to Trabzonspor marks the end of an era for the 32-year-old Montenegrin international, who played 23 La Liga games in the 2023/2024 season, boasting a 6.79 rating according to detailed player performance metrics.
Savic’s Career Journey
Savic’s journey through European football began at BSK Borca and took him through stints at FK Partizan, Manchester City, and Fiorentina before his significant spell at Atletico Madrid. His solid defensive contributions have been pivotal, especially noted during Atletico’s UEFA Europa League triumph in 2017/2018 and his consistent appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
Robin Le Normand’s Arrival
Robin Le Normand’s arrival brings a fresh defensive prowess to Atletico Madrid. The 27-year-old centre-back started his career at Brest before making a significant impact at Real Sociedad. Le Normand’s acquisition follows his successful stint with the Spain national team, contributing to their UEFA Nations League victory in 2023 and the Euro 2024 championship.
Impact on Atletico Madrid’s Roster
Atletico Madrid’s roster, which includes seasoned defenders like José Giménez and César Azpilicueta, and emerging talents such as Sergio Díez and Javier Boñar, will undoubtedly benefit from Le Normand’s inclusion. His robust defensive skills and international experience are expected to bolster Atletico Madrid’s backline as they prepare for the upcoming La Liga season, where they are set to face Villarreal on August 19th.
Real Sociedad’s Response
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will feel the void left by Le Normand. The Basque side has been active in the transfer market, recently acquiring Sergio Gómez from Manchester City for €9 million. Sociedad’s defensive lineup, featuring stalwarts like Aritz Elustondo and new additions such as Jon Pacheco, will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge in La Liga.
Trabzonspor’s New Acquisition
Trabzonspor, Savic’s new home, has also been busy reshaping their squad. The Turkish club recently signed Pedro Malheiro from Boavista and has a slew of fixtures lined up, starting with an away game against Sivasspor on August 11th. Savic’s experience and leadership will be instrumental as Trabzonspor aims to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
This transfer activity highlights the dynamic nature of European football, where strategic acquisitions and departures are crucial for clubs aiming to achieve their competitive goals. Atletico Madrid’s swift action to replace Savic with a defender of Le Normand’s caliber reflects their ambition to remain at the top echelons of Spanish and European football.
