While Real Madrid have been splashing the cash this summer, the rest of La Liga are yet to get going with their business.
Much of it is likely to surround the future of Antoine Griezmann, with his expected move to Barcelona likely to kick the La Liga transfer window into gear.
Nevertheless, Atletico Madrid made their first play of this window earlier this month when they completed the signing of Marcos Llorente from Real Madrid.
His arrival was thought to be as a replacement for Rodri, who Manchester City are keen on signing this summer. Indeed, Atletico’s decision to hand Llorente Rodri’s squad number from last season all but confirmed the latter’s move to the Etihad.
And while that move is yet to be completed, El Confidencial say Rodri is now considered as the past, despite an official announcement of the deal. In fact, the club ‘already count’ the €70m from Manchester City for the midfielder.
In other words, Atletico are already working under the assumption they will get the money for Rodri and consider the move a done deal.
That will come as music to the ears of everyone associated with Manchester City, with how this deal is dragging on, and Pep Guardiola’s refusal to discuss the player, helping to build the saga.
