Ivo Grbić is hoping that his move to Atletico Madrid can be finalised in the coming days, report Mundo Deportivo.
The 24 year old has chosen the Spanish club, despite interest from others where he’d have a much better chance of minutes. West Brom and Schalke have both been knocked back by the player, according to the report.
Mundo Deportivo make it clear Grbić would have had much better ‘sporting conditions’ at either club, given it’s very unlikely he’s going to get ahead of Jan Oblak.
Grbić currently plays for NK Lokomotiva, and another reason Atletico beat West Brom and Schalke is the transfer fee. The Spanish club will pay €6m upfront plus a further €2m in potential bonuses, with the suggestion the other two clubs weren’t as keen to go so high.
The move will likely see the goalkeeper receive more attention in European football, but it could also harm his international prospects. Currently Croatia’s second choice stopper, he’ll need Atletico to give him a reasonable number of appearances for his international career to thrive.
Mundo don’t see any chance of the move failing at the last minute, so this one looks over for the Baggies.