Relations between Atlético de Madrid and Valencia have taken an unexpected turn. What seemed to be a solid agreement has abruptly broken down. Rubén Baraja , Valencia's coach, is upset with Enrique Cerezo, president of Atlético de Madrid, for what he considers a lack of respect in the negotiations.
The agreement for Javi Guerra is complicated
Atletico Madrid were interested in Javi Guerra, a young talent from Valencia. Talks were progressing and, according to close sources, an agreement was reached last Sunday between Lay Hoon Chan, president of Valencia , and Cerezo. However, when everything seemed to be going ahead with the deal, things got complicated.
Delays and the anger of Rubén Baraja
The problem arose when Atletico began delaying the signing of the paperwork. On Wednesday morning, Valencia contacted the Madrid club to ask about the situation. It was then that they were informed that Atletico were trying to back out of another deal, this time with Chelsea, for Conor Gallagher.
Rubén Baraja, who was confident that the deal would go through, felt betrayed. Atlético de Madrid had everything done with their player, but the red-and-whites did not complete the operation.
Cerezo and the lack of transparency
Tensions between Ruben Baraja and Cerezo have been growing rapidly. Baraja believes that Atletico Madrid did not act with the necessary transparency. The fact that Atletico prioritised its agreement with Chelsea over the deal with Valencia has been seen as a lack of respect.
Impact on Jan Oblak's future
There has been speculation for quite some time that Jan Oblak could leave Atlético Madrid this summer. The Slovenian goalkeeper is already 31 years old and is the highest paid player in the squad. Enrique Cerezo knows this and would not put any obstacles in the way of him leaving for another club, as long as they pay.
Atlético's favourite replacement is Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian was the best in his position last season and has attracted interest from big clubs across Europe. However, with the tension between the red-and-whites and Valencia at the moment, this signing is complicated.