Chelsea have agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of left back Filipe Luis, according to reports. The transfer will mean the 29-year old Brazilian will be making a return to the Spanish club after spending only a season at Stamford Bridge.
He had spent four years with Atletico and became a stalwart at the club, winning the La Liga title in the 2013-14 season and also getting to the Champions League final that season. As per Squawka, Luis will be moving to the Vicente Calderon for a fee believed to be in the region of €16 million.
Chelsea signed Luis last summer as Cesar Azpilicueta’s competitor for the left back position, but he has seen his playing time limited with Blues boss Jose Mourinho favouring Azpilicueta at the left side of the defence.
Mourinho requires that his defenders perform more defensive duties than offensive ones, and as such Luis is expected to be a cover for Eden Hazard but he failed on occasions he was given the chances.
Despite his tumultuous season at Stamford Bridge however, he shone with Brazil at the Copa America and all is now in place for the Brazilian star to make a return to Atletico.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone revealed last week that he would welcome the return of Luis, saying “He’s a player we’re very fond of and he knows us well and gave so much to the team. I hope this one comes off”, the manager said of Luis’ possible return.
Atletico’s midfielder, Koke also revealed his wish for Luis to rejoin the club, he told Marca the defender is “no traitor”.
“Filipe decided to leave and now he has the chance to return. If he arrives, there’ll be more competition and that’s good.”
Simeone brought is Guilherme Siquera as Luis’ replacement last summer, but the left back has been unimpressive. Hence, Luis’ return will serve as a boost for the manger.
In another interesting scenario, transfer ace Gianluca Di Marzio has said the transfer will be a loan deal rather than a permanent one. Luis played 26 times for the Blues and scored his only goal in the League cup victory at Derby in December last year.
Chelsea have earmarked Augsburg’s Baba Rahman as a replacement for the Brazilian, and a deal is reported to be close.