Valencia centre-back Gabriel Paulista set to sign for Atletico Madrid

Valencia are set to lose a key part of their defence, but also gain some much-needed budgetary leeway. Gabriel Paulista is about to be released to sign for Atletico Madrid for the remainder of the season and one more. He is still committed for the remainder of the current season with the Spanish side, but will automatically renew if he reaches 20 appearances and he has already made 19. The Turia offices want to prevent this clause from being activated.

If the Portuguese centre-back renews his contract, he will earn 5.5 million euros gross in the 24-25 season, something that is unaffordable for their coffers. That is why it has been considered a good idea to let him leave without the 'Colchoneros' having to pay anything in terms of transfer fees. 

The whole affair has come to light thanks to a report by Nacho Sanchis in 'Relevo', which even specifies that there was a meeting between 'Ches' representatives and JK emissaries to facilitate the defender's departure. It is because of the urgency and the good work of the Atletico board that the former Arsenal and Villarreal player is now going to continue his journey in the Spanish capital.

Diego Simeone will welcome Gabriel Paulista, a centre-back with a wealth of experience in the domestic league, who has enjoyed good times at Valencia, but also endured difficult times, such as the current one. He came through the ranks at Vitoria in Brazil before making the leap to Europe with Villarreal, attracting the attention of Arsenal and, at the age of 27, beginning a journey at the Valencian side that is about to come to an end.

 

January 30, 2024