Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said Lucas Hernandez's summer sale to Bayern Munich hurt the club more than Antoine Griezmann's departure for Barcelona.

Hernandez, 23, joined Atletico's academy in 2007 and was moulded by the Spanish club, while Griezmann was a recognised threat in La Liga by the time he joined from Real Sociedad in 2014.

Simeone spoke to Manu Carreno of Cadena Ser (h/t Marca) and pointed to Hernandez as the more difficult departure to accept: "The exit that hurt us the most was Lucas, who was a boy from the academy. (It hurt) More than Griezmann."

Griezmann left the Wanda Metropolitano in July after Barcelona triggered the forward's €120 million (£108 million) release clause. Atletico received another €80 million from Bayern for the signature of France international Hernandez, who can play in central defence or at left-back.

Squawka posted some of the higher-profile sales at Atletico this past summer, while defensive stalwarts Diego Godin, Filipe Luis and Juanfran each left on free transfers after their contracts expired:

Atletico Madrid have made just over £260m in sales this summer:

🇫🇷 Antoine Griezmann (£107.6m)
🇫🇷 Lucas Hernandez (£68m)
🇪🇸 Rodri (£62.6m)
🇵🇹 Gelson Martins (£19.6m)
🇦🇷 Luciano Vietto (£6.7m)

Active in the transfer window. pic.twitter.com/xdj9U63ZeD

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) July 15, 2019

One can understand why Simeone would be more affected by the loss of Hernandez, a homegrown product who is five years Griezmann's junior and dazzled in arguably a more critical role for Atletico.

Simeone's tactics in Madrid have long relied on a resilient back line, and Hernandez is viewed by many as one of the best defensive prospects in Europe.

Portuguese prodigy Joao Felix, 19, has gone a long way to replacing Griezmann's attacking presence in Madrid. However, it's uncertain as to whether centre-back reinforcements like Mario Hermoso or Felipe can be said to match Hernandez's standards.

Griezmann's sale to Liga rivals Barca was all the more frustrating after Atletico insisted they were owed €200 million (£180 million) for his transfer, as opposed to the post-July 1 fee of €120 million (£108 million) that was paid.

Spanish football authorities eventually fined Barcelona for the tapping-up offence, though it wasn't close to the punishment Atletico would have hoped for, per Sky Sports: 

Barcelona have been fined only €300 (£265) after being found guilty of tapping up Antoine Griezmann while he was an Atletico Madrid player. 😳

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 26, 2019

Hernandez has impressed for Bayern early on in his stay at the Allianz Arena, already demonstrating his worth as a viable starter in central defence or at left-back.

The player was recently at the centre of a club versus country tug-of-war following France's decision to call him up for UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers despite Bayern insisting he was unfit, per journalist Manuel Veth:

#Bayern’s CEO Rummenigge, in particular, is irritated by Deschamps statement: “worst case Lucas could play with just one leg.” Furthermore, the club pointed out that the DFB did not call up the injured Kroos and Hector.

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) October 7, 2019

Atletico are third in La Liga and trail leaders Real by three points, while Griezmann and Barcelona follow in second despite losing one match more than his old employers so far this season.

It will be a testament to Simeone's managerial prowess if he is able to keep Los Rojiblancos in touch with Spain's dominant duo this season, particularly after Hernandez jumped ship for the Allianz Arena.  

Diego Costa thinks Antoine Griezmann's decision to leave Atletico Madrid and join Barcelona this summer "was normal."

Costa has revealed he didn't attempt to talk Griezmann out of joining Atleti's rivals in La Liga. In fact, Costa has said he would have told his now former team-mate it would be OK to seek a new challenge.

Atletico striker Costa spoke to YouTube channel Que Partidazo (h/t MailOnline's Kieran Jackson): "Griezmann wanted a new experience, and he'll find that in Barcelona. I didn't try to convince him to stay, but if he had asked my opinion, I would have told him that everybody should try new things."

Fans of Atleti may not appreciate Costa saying he would have prompted Griezmann to pursue pastures new, but he described moving to the Camp Nou to play alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as the Frecnhman's "dream."     

Even though the Griezmann's move strengthened Los Rojiblancos' familiar foe, Costa does not believe the former Real Sociedad forward deserves any animosity from the Madrid club: "Greizmann's decision was normal. He has always been an upfront person. He never missed a training session; he always led by example ... We can't say anything bad about him. We are grateful to him."

Atleti softened the blow of losing attacking talisman Griezmann by using the €120 million fetched by his sale to sign Joao Felix. The 19-year-old cost Atleti the same fee but has already been making his mark since arriving from Benfica.

He's scored and provided an assist in league action, with the goal coming against Eibar earlier this month courtesy of an assist by Costa:

2-1. Costa away, turns it into path of Joao Felix. pic.twitter.com/ifUjSla1Cz

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) September 1, 2019

Manager Diego Simeone's squad needs this combination to click if they are going to outshine Barca and Real Madrid in the Spanish top flight. Reigning champions Barcelona have made a slow start, taking just four points from three matches while Messi and Suarez have been injured.

However, Griezmann has not disappointed, opening his account with a brace during a 5-2 home win against Real Betis last month:

.@AntoGriezmann enjoyed a fine home debut for @FCBarcelona as he scored two and assisted one in their 5-2 win over Real Betis to land a WhoScored rating of 9.88

For more player stats -- https://t.co/1PeFygL3Qw pic.twitter.com/cvf7Knyd9I

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) August 27, 2019

Costa has likely been pleased Griezmann's move appears to be working out. His best wishes for his ex-strike partner are in sharp contrast to the often fractured relations between Barca and Atletico in the buildup to the transfer.

Atleti accused Barcelona of encouraging Griezmann to seek a move. Griezmann was left saddened by Atletico's response.

While feelings between the two clubs may not have thawed, Griezmann has at least started a new chapter in his club career with the blessing of one of the key players he left behind.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has dismissed speculation his side could be set for another run at La Liga, saying his current squad isn't the finished product he had when they clinched the crown in 2014.

Los Rojiblancos boast a two-point cushion at the summit of La Liga after only three games this season, with his being the only team to have kept a perfect record thus far. 

Atleti won their first eight league games of the 2013-14 season when the club earned its 10th top-flight trophy. Simeone told reporters his current crop of stars are still developing together and can't match the squad of six or so years ago:

"Repeating that perfect start to La Liga is not too important. Because we had players like Raul Garcia, Thiago and Gabi in our team back then and now my players are very young.

"We have youngsters like Thomas Partey, Joao Felix, Thomas Lemar, Renan Lodi, Mario Hermoso, Saul Niguez.

"When we won the league in that 2013/14 season, my players were better and now we are building a team, where each game is a final."

Atletico failed to win any of their last three games of that season but secured a 1-1 draw away to Barcelona on the closing day, and with it the necessary point to end their 18-year wait for La Liga:

"If you believe and you work hard, you can do it..." - @Simeone

🔙 On 17th May 2014, @atletienglish went to the Camp Nou and won their 10th #LaLiga title. ❤️#BarçaAtleti pic.twitter.com/B0zColzlys

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) April 6, 2019

The club has undergone a major rebuild this summer and welcomed an influx of new players after a batch of longstanding stars were moved on from the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.

It's paid off thus far, at least, as sportswriter Andy West highlighted the gap that's already emerged between them and their biggest rivals, defending champion Barcelona and Real Madrid:

2-0 down to win 3-2. With their spirit and the quality they've added this summer, Atletico are going to take some stopping this season. Already five points ahead of Barça.

— Andy West (@andywest01) September 1, 2019

Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona in a €120 million transfer, while defender Lucas Hernandez and midfielder Rodrigo moved to new outfits Bayern Munich and Manchester City, respectively, for big fees.

In addition, the defence also lost a lot of experience after Diego Godin, Filipe Luis and Juanfran saw their contracts in Madrid expire.

Atletico have since broken their transfer record to sign Joao Felix from Benfica for €120 million, setting a new standard for the usually frugal Spanish outfit, per Squawka:

The top five most expensive LaLiga signings this summer:

• João Félix → Atlético Madrid
• Antoine Griezmann → Barcelona
• Eden Hazard → Real Madrid
• Frenkie de Jong → Barcelona
• Luka Jović → Real Madrid

HUGE deals. 🤑 pic.twitter.com/nCdOFWcXpI

— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 2, 2019

The Felix expenditure was a particular risk, though one that appears to be paying off for the club already:

📅 1st September 2019.

The day @joaofelix70 scored his first goal in #LaLigaSantander! 🌟🇵🇹🌟 pic.twitter.com/oE2vGgImcl

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 3, 2019

Aside from the Portuguese, Atletico are already seeing great results from smaller-profile signings like defenders Renan Lodi and Kieran Trippier, as well as midfielder Marcos Llorente and more.

While the Atletico team of five years ago had the advantage of time to bond, there's no guarantee Barca or Real are strong enough to overhaul the new-look Rojiblancos.

After waiting almost two decades between Liga titles, Atleti could be on the verge of a second trophy in the space of five years by Simeone's hand.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone refused to be drawn into the transfer speculation involving his club and Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi, and he has great hopes for the returning Diego Costa, who is set to make his first appearance in La Liga this season on Sunday.

Per AS, Simeone faced the press ahead of Sunday's match against Eibar, and he was asked about the transfer window and the rumours involving Icardi.

Atletico are reportedly negotiating a loan deal for the Argentinian, but Simeone chose to avoid the subject:

"I always say the same. I can't really speak about players that are not here. Obviously I only speak about players that we have. ...

"We are still waiting for it to close to know definitively and exactly what players will be with us until December, because in December there is new option. But it's clear, I don't want to keep repeating it would prefer it to be like it is in England where it's solved before we start LaLiga. So we can start with the whole squad we have for the season."

He also discussed Costa's importance to the squad:

"I have always declared the effect he has, Diego. I always said it and feel it. He is a very important player for the team and for this club. I hope that this season he shows this group just how competitive he is and how strong he is as a striker. He has had a great pre-season and tomorrow he will kick off his league and for sure he will start that with a lot of ambition."

Icardi has been strongly linked with a move away from Inter throughout summer, and the relationship between the 26-year-old and the Nerazzurri appears as fractured as it has ever been:

Mauro Icardi is suing his club Inter Milan for discrimination, claiming €1.5 million in damages and to be allowed back into the first-team fold.

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 31, 2019

Per the Associated Press (h/t Sky Sports), problems arose between Inter and Icardi over a contract dispute in January. He was then stripped of the captaincy and lost his No. 9 shirt to new arrival Romelu Lukaku.

Icardi's wife and agent, Wanda Nara, told Tiki Taka he wants to stay in Milan and has been advised by someone at the club to do so (h/t Goal's Sean Wilson). CEO Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear to DAZN the striker is no longer in the team's plans and that they want him gone, however (h/t Wilson).

The transfer deadline for Serie A and La Liga is on Monday, so there's little time left to make a deal.

The loan to Atletico is an option, and sports writer Robbie Dunne believes it would make a lot of sense:

This makes so much sense it’s making my brain hurt. https://t.co/Z2k1azkUNj

— Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) August 30, 2019

The Rojiblancos have built a strong squad over the summer, but the one type of player they lack is an ace striker. Costa is a useful workhorse up front, but he hasn't crossed the 20-goal mark in the league since the 2016-17 campaign for Chelsea. He has just five La Liga goals in his past two seasons combined.

Atletico have to replace Antoine Griezmann's goals, as their former ace scorer now plies his trade for Barcelona. They could do worse than bringing in Icardi, who scored 29 Serie A goals in the 2017-18 campaign.

He may not be the most well-rounded striker, but he's deadly in and around the box:

An attacking trident of Icardi, Costa and Joao Felix would we one of the best in Europe, and with both Barcelona and Real Madrid already dropping points in La Liga, it could be good enough for the Rojiblancos to win the title this year.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said Joao Felix must keep improving following his debut in La Liga.

Atletico were 1-0 winners against Getafe in Week 1 of the 2019-20 campaign, with Alvaro Morata's first-half goal giving them all three points. After an impressive pre-season, Felix showed flashes of quality in his first outing in the Spanish top flight.

Speaking about the 19-year-old after the game, Simeone said he wants to see progression from the Portugal international, per Sacha Pisani of Goal:

"The first league game is not easy. It's complex. We faced a team who tactically moves well defensively. They have not left him space in the first half so that he can take advantage of his game.

"But, as an individual, he showed his power, and hopefully these situations appear more often. He has to keep improving."

While he didn't get on the scoresheet, Felix was a threat when in possession, and he produced a brilliant solo run in the second half that ultimately culminated in him being fouled in the penalty area. Morata was unable to convert from 12 yards, though.

Felix showcased remarkable speed and strength to make the opportunity for his team:

📺 @AlvaroMorata and @joaofelix70 made the difference as @atletienglish started with a win! 🔥#AtletiGetafe pic.twitter.com/ObVkxFxxA9

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) August 18, 2019

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC commented on an impressive full debut from the Atletico youngster:

FT Atletico 1-0 Getafe. Hanging on a bit at the end, but Morata's header from Trippier's cross enough for the three points. Standout moment tho was that run by Joao Felix, who looked very, very special.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 18, 2019

Having burst on to the scene with Benfica in the previous campaign, Felix is one of the brightest prospects in the world game. 

He netted 15 goals in the Portuguese top flight last term, and it wasn't a surprise to see him linked with some of the biggest clubs in European football. However, it was a shock when Atletico smashed their transfer record to sign him, paying £113 million to Benfica.

Although it was an extraordinary amount of money to part with, the early indications are that Felix will go on to become one of the best players in the game. The youngster shone for Atletico in pre-season and looked at home against La Liga's most physical outfit in Getafe.

Squawka Football provided the numbers behind the 19-year-old's La Liga debut:

João Félix's LaLiga debut by numbers:

100% shot accuracy
100% take-ons completed
90% pass acc. in opp. half
4 fouls won
3 aerial duels won
2 take-ons
1 penalty won
1 interception
1 tackle

This kid is going to be special. pic.twitter.com/jRAaBQopgM

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 18, 2019

The one blemish on Sunday's match for Atletico was a knock suffered by Felix that prompted his withdrawal from the game after 66 minutes. Simeone will be hopeful the forward is fit to feature against Leganes on Sunday.

Losing Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona represented a blow for Atletico in the transfer window this summer. While Felix still has a long way to go to reach the same levels as the Frenchman, the signs are that Atletico have secured an enthralling young alternative.  

Joao Felix has the potential to become a "world-class player" at Atletico Madrid, according to his new team-mate Jan Oblak.

The 19-year-old signed for Atleti from Benfica back in July for €126 million (£113 million):    

One of the most expensive signings ever.

19 years old. pic.twitter.com/k3Jmw6NyyB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2019

He has impressed greatly in pre-season, putting in a number of fine performances against the likes of Real Madrid, MLS All-Stars and Juventus:

Joao Felix is worth the hype 💪 @brfootball pic.twitter.com/Y648XnZMi4

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 10, 2019

Joao Felix is🔥 https://t.co/3VTLOGa5s9

— Andy West (@andywest01) August 10, 2019

Felix will get his first taste of competitive action at Atleti when they kick off their 2019-20 La Liga campaign against Getafe on Sunday at Wanda Metropolitano.

Oblak, who has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at Atleti, is confident Felix can live up to his enormous potential, per Football Espana:

"We are still in pre-season but it is clear that he has huge talent. With talent like that he can grow into being a magnificent player, I am sure that this is the right place for him. He is going to progress a lot under [manager] Diego Simeone and he is going to learn a lot here. There is no doubt that he is a great talent. If he continues on the same path as he started, if he trains and keeps playing at the level he has shown then he will be a world class player, no doubt."

Felix has played only one season of senior football.

He debuted for Benfica last August and went on to play a key role as they won the Primeira Liga, netting 15 goals and providing seven assists.

Playing in La Liga will be a big step for the Portuguese teenager, but Atleti are clearly confident in his ability, otherwise they would not have shelled out a club-record fee to sign him.

He has the ability to play on either flank, but he will likely take up a central role in the new season following Antoine Griezmann's departure to Barcelona.

The Frenchman was talismanic for Simeone's side during his five seasons at the club, and Felix will need to hit the ground running in La Liga if he is to make up for Griezmann's departure.

Oblak clearly has few doubts about the youngster's ability, and the goalkeeper's acclaim will likely give Felix's confidence a big boost ahead of the new term. 

Diego Costa could reportedly face a month on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury against Juventus on Saturday. 

In an update via their official website on Tuesday, Atletico Madrid confirmed the striker had suffered "a muscle injury in the adductors of the left thigh" and had undergone an MRI scan to determine the extent of the problem.

Football Espana reported the injury could keep him out for a month.

Costa would have missed their opening game of the campaign against Getafe anyway, as he will be serving the final match of an eight-game suspension he was handed last season for insulting a referee.

A month out could also see him miss fixtures against Leganes, Eibar and Real Sociedad.

Football writer Simon Harrison noted the blow his absence could have:

The one thing that could hold back what looks to be a very exciting Atleti side is how often Diego Costa is injured. Not a good start to the season, they need his goals. https://t.co/LiCsjl2hwd

— Simon Harrison (@simonhfootball) August 13, 2019

The striker only scored five goals last season, but between the lengthy ban and recovery from foot surgery, he only made 21 appearances in all competitions.

He's a key player, though, and his goals will be needed even more this season following Antoine Griezmann's departure to Barcelona.

Costa scored four goals as Atletico thrashed Real Madrid 7-3 in July, and he also scored in a 3-0 win over Major League Soccer's All-Stars:

This. Kid. 🔥🔥🔥

Joao Felix set up Diego Costa for Atletico's third goal with a PERFECT cross-field pass. #MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/6zyrI09Rtk

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2019

That goal was assisted by Joao Felix, and ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan observed their burgeoning partnership in Los Rojiblancos' following friendly, a 2-1 win over Atletico San Luis:

This much more a 'friendly' than v Real Madrid last weekend, and Atletico at walking pace at times. But couple of times now have seen Joao Felix getting space 'in hole' and immediately looking for Costa in behind. Look to enjoy each other's company already.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) August 3, 2019

It will fall to Alvaro Morata or Nikola Kalinic to fill in for Atletico while Costa is out.

The Spain international's absence will increase the pressure on the 19-year-old Felix, who arrived from Benfica in a €126 million move earlier in the summer.

With Costa on the sidelines, Atleti will be even more reliant on the teenager to make match-winning contributions.

Joao Felix will immediately be under pressure to produce for Atletico Madrid in the new season because of his huge price tag, according to Jose Mourinho.

The 19-year-old signed for the Madrid outfit from Benfica back in July for €126 million (£113 million):

One of the most expensive signings ever.

19 years old. pic.twitter.com/k3Jmw6NyyB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 3, 2019

The 2018-19 campaign was his first in senior football, and he played a key role in Benfica winning the Primeira Liga, netting 15 goals and providing seven assists.

Making the step up to La Liga will be challenging for the Portuguese teenager, but his compatriot Mourinho has said he has a responsibility to perform, per the Portuguese Football Association's television channel (h/t Marca):

"He has a challenge due to the extent of his talent and because of the investment the club have made on him. I believe that he can't escape this responsibility. It doesn't matter if he's 18, 20 or 25. What matters is his talent and the responsibility he has."

Felix has impressed hugely in pre-season with Atleti, starring in friendlies against Real Madrid, MLS All-Stars and Juventus:

Joao Felix is worth the hype 💪 @brfootball pic.twitter.com/Y648XnZMi4

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 10, 2019

https://twitter.com/ReverschPass/status/1160228059427090433

However, pre-season games can often be misleading.

Diego Simeone's side start their 2019-20 La Liga campaign with a clash against Getafe on Sunday, and the home fans at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium will be eager to see Felix make an impact.

He faces the responsibility of filling the boots of Antoine Griezmann, who joined Barcelona earlier this summer after five successive seasons as Atleti's top scorer:

Antoine Griezmann scored 20+ goals across all competitions in every season he has spent at Atlético Madrid:

2014/15: 25 ⚽
2015/16: 32 ⚽
2016/17: 26 ⚽
2017/18: 29 ⚽
2018/19: 21 ⚽

How many will he get at Barcelona? pic.twitter.com/GeqAAyOkY4

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 12, 2019

Given he is still only a teenager, that is a big responsibility to be put on Felix's shoulders.

But he has shown enough at Benfica and in pre-season that he has the talent to fill the gap left by the Frenchman.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has urged supporters to be patient with new arrival Joao Felix if he struggles next season.

Los Rojiblancos splashed out €126 million (£115 million) on the teenager earlier this summer to sign him from Benfica. Only Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Philippe Coutinho have ever moved for larger transfer fees.

Per El Pais' Ladislao J. Monino on Saturday (h/t Goal's Matt Dorman), Koke said of Felix: "He has a lot of personality. It's not easy to be 19 and have the pressure of what has been paid for him. You have to give him some time. If he plays two bad games, you can't kill him."

"He enjoys playing football," the captain added. "He has a lot of quality, but what I like most is the mischief [he creates], the dribbling. He likes to have the ball; he is not afraid to ask for it."

Felix exploded onto the scene in a sensational season with Benfica in which he racked up 20 goals and 11 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions.

He played 2,866 minutes in that time, meaning he made a direct goal contribution every 92 minutes he was on the pitch.

As OptaJose demonstrated, the forward was clinical in front of goal:

26 - João Félix’s shots on target in his debut in Primeira Liga (15 goals):

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Spectacular. pic.twitter.com/NdpgOau5PK

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 2, 2019

He has enjoyed a promising start to his Atleti career in pre-season, too.

Felix scored and set up two of Diego Costa's four goals as Los Rojiblancos demolished their local rivals Real Madrid 7-3 in New York.

His burgeoning partnership with Costa continued as he laid on another assist in Atletico's 3-0 win over Major League Soccer's All-Star team on Wednesday, and Felix added a goal himself:

This. Kid. 🔥🔥🔥

Joao Felix set up Diego Costa for Atletico's third goal with a PERFECT cross-field pass. #MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/6zyrI09Rtk

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2019

Have another 👀 at Joao Felix’s stunner that sealed Atletico's #MLSAllStar victory. 🔥🔥 #FOXFieldPass pic.twitter.com/6Nzw2UWgR6

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 1, 2019

After such an enormous investment, Atleti are relying on Felix to maintain this level of production when they resume competitive fixtures on August 18 against Getafe in La Liga.

He's still only 19 years old, though, and an enormous amount of pressure comes with his price tag.

The occasional dip in form is inevitable, particularly while he's still developing his game. When they arise, he'll need patience from supporters and those around him.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo suggested the club are no longer in the hunt to sign midfielder James Rodriguez from rivals Real Madrid.

Rodriguez has been linked with moves to Atletico and Italian powerhouse Napoli, but Cerezo appeared on Radio Kiss Kiss (h/t Calciomercato.com) and hinted his club's business had concluded.

"James?" he said. "Our team is strong this way, and we believe we are already as competitive as we are with all competitions. The rose is closed. In football you never know what will happen tomorrow. Today I can only say that we are strong this way and that the rose is already made."

Los Rojiblancos signed Benfica prodigy Joao Felix as a replacement for Antoine Griezmann this summer, while Alvaro Morata joined the club on permanent terms from Chelsea following his loan. The Madrid giants also signed forward Ivan Saponjic, 22, from Benfica.

Rodriguez recently returned to Real training for the first time in more than two years, having spent the past two campaigns on loan at Bayern Munich, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

James Rodriguez looking quite happy to be back at pre-season training with Madrid this morn pic.twitter.com/o0FIgWrA32

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) July 29, 2019

TeleMadrid (h/t Football Espana) reported Atletico increased their offer for Rodriguez to €50 million (£45.8 million) and that Napoli were hopeful of securing a loan.

Real are also less willing to part ways with wide option Rodriguez since Marco Asensio suffered an injury against Arsenal in pre-season that could prematurely end his 2019-20 campaign:

James Rodriguez will be staying at Real Madrid next season, reports @diarioas pic.twitter.com/Lqu5KbLnWQ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 29, 2019

Manager Zinedine Zidane recently said he didn't know if the Colombia international would be part of his squad for the upcoming season, per Marca (h/t Football Espana).

Rodriguez has two years remaining on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, giving Real limited opportunities to recoup as much of the €70 million they invested in his signature five years ago as they can.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed moments of class in Real colours and was part of the squad that clinched back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in 2016-17.

Goal broke down the South American's record in Madrid, which showed Rodriguez has had a direct involvement in 0.68 goals per game when in Real colours:

James Rodriguez for Real Madrid ⚪️

111 appearances 👕
36 goals ⚽️
40 assists 🅰️
Champions League 🏆🏆
La Liga 🏆
FIFA Club World Cup 🏆🏆
UEFA Super Cup 🏆🏆

To be continued? 👀 pic.twitter.com/0Jl8xqhvdd

— GOAL (@goal) July 30, 2019

Zidane could need all the help he can get after Real have recorded their worst run of pre-season results since 1980, per Carlos Forjanes of AS.