Atlético de Madrid is seeing how several of its former players from last season are changing teams again in January. One of the cases that was most talked about in the summer was that of the Spanish forward, Álvaro Morata. He himself confirmed that he was going to stay at the red-and-white club this year, but finally, he left for Italy.
He signed for AC Milan, a club that had shown enormous interest in him and considered him an essential piece for the club. However, six months later, the Spanish forward has decided to change scenery and go play in Türkiye. He will wear the Galatasaray jersey on loan, with a purchase option.
Morata's career and his time at Atlético de Madrid
Morata began his career in the youth ranks of Atlético de Madrid and Getafe, before joining Real Madrid's academy, where he debuted in the first team. Subsequently, he played for renowned clubs like Juventus, Chelsea, and Atlético de Madrid itself, to which he returned in 2019. During his time under Diego Simeone's orders, the forward showed glimpses of his quality, but he didn't manage to establish himself as an undisputed starter. In the summer of 2024, he was transferred to AC Milan for a figure close to 13 million euros.
In the Rossoneri team, Morata played 25 matches and scored 6 goals. Despite being a regular player in the line-ups, he didn't meet the expectations caused with his signing. Milan, in its eagerness to rejuvenate and strengthen its forward line, focused its efforts on the incorporation of Mexican Santiago Giménez, which facilitated Morata's departure to Galatasaray.
Reception in Istanbul and first statements
Upon his arrival in Istanbul, Morata was greeted by a crowd of Galatasaray fans who gave him a warm welcome. The forward expressed his gratitude and highlighted the effort made by the club's president and his agent to finalize his signing. He also emphasized the importance of the fans' affection in his decision to join the Turkish team.
At Galatasaray, Morata will form an offensive duo with Victor Osimhen, filling the position left by Mauro Icardi due to a serious injury. His experience and versatility will be essential for coach Okan Buruk's scheme. Meanwhile, at Atlético de Madrid, the news has caused surprise, as Simeone and the red-and-white fans didn't expect their former player to end up in Turkish football. This move adds another chapter to Morata's itinerant career, as he continues to seek consolidation in the elite of European football.