Veteran Belgian centerback Axel Witsel leaves Atletico Madrid for Girona
With the opening of the 2024-25 La Liga season just days away, 36-year old Belgian centerback Axel Witsel is officially leaving Atletico Madrid on a free transfer to Girona. Earlier in the transfer window, Witsel entertained a future in Italy after agreeing to personal terms with Udinese, but a final agreement never came to fruition. Now, Witsel is set to remain in La Liga as a member of manager Michel Sanchez's Girona.
Over the past three seasons, Witsel was a key member of the Atletico Madrid defensive unit as the versatile, pass-proficient Belgian logged well over 2,000 minutes in each of his first two seasons with the Spanish side. As a reformed midfielder with a tenacious, intelligent defensive approach to challenges, Atletico manager Diego Simeone utilized Witsel as part of his iconic back three-at-the-back formation with regularity. In fact, Witsel started 19 Champions League matches for Atletico during that timeframe, so his value to the club remained clear even if he accepted a diminished role throughout the 2024-25 season.
However, Atletico Madrid recently acquired centerback Clement Lenglet on a permanent deal after hosting the defender on loan from Barcelona during the 2024-25 season. Now that Lenglet will stay with Atletico long-term, the club felt comfortable enough with its defensive options to move on from Witsel.
Prior to joining Atletico ahead of the 2022-23 season, Witsel spent four years in the Bundesliga with Dortmund, including a nine goal-contribution campaign in the 2019-20 season.
Now joining Girona, Witsel will take on a new challenge with a club entering the Champions League for the first time in its history. With that in mind, Witsel can provide defensive stability, leadership and experience in spades while contributing to the Blanquivermell's debut in the European competition. And although Witsel's mobility has decreased with age, the veteran could comfortably slot into the Girona midfield, perhaps in a holding role, if the club so chooses.
READ MORE: Sevilla's Loic Bade nearing transfer to Bayer Leverkusen
On Friday, Aug. 15, Witsel's new squad, Girona, will host Rayo Vellanco to begin this season's La Liga campaign.
For more information on La Liga and each of its 20 first division clubs, follow @EricJRutter and @sportingnews on X for continued football coverage.
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