Last season, one of the most surreal episodes was experienced at Atlético de Madrid regarding the winter transfer market. The red-and-white team needed to close numerous deals at a time in the season when the squad was facing many problems. Most of the reinforcements from the previous summer were not performing, and the sports management had to work at full capacity to improve performance on the field.
Among all the moves the colchonero team closed, there was one that notably surprised the fans with its outcome. One of Simeone's priorities was to improve the midfield, where Arthur Vermeeren, who had been a great revelation in the Champions League, would arrive. Gabriel Paulista and Moldovan would also arrive, but none of those names had the impact of a name whose signing would be frustrated.
The Goal Scorer Who Rejected Atlético de Madrid
Obviously, it is Moise Kean, an Italian forward who had a disappointing stint at both Juventus and PSG. Last January, he was still recovering from an injury, although Atlético de Madrid had the agreement well advanced. It would be a six-month loan until that same summer, even being present at a match at the Metropolitano.
However, when everything seemed set, the red-and-white team backed out of the deal due to the physical problems the Italian forward was carrying. Moise Kean stayed in Italy and this past summer signed with Fiorentina, becoming one of the great surprises of the entire championship. At this point, he has already scored 19 goals in 28 matches, keeping his current team in positions to qualify for the next edition of the Champions League.
Star in Serie A
It hasn't been an easy path for the forward who, despite being 24 years old, has already played for numerous clubs across the European continent. He would score four goals at Everton, 17 at PSG, and 22 at Juventus, very poor numbers to remain at an elite club. However, his career has taken a radical turn at Fiorentina, being the main reference in the attack, reaching a market value of 30 million euros.
A year ago, there were more criticisms than praises for a potential arrival of Moise Kean at Atlético de Madrid, as he was not considered necessary. At that time, Simeone had four forwards at his disposal, although Memphis Depay could never find consistency due to injuries. Now, they are completely separate paths, but in Italy, the step forward the player has taken in recent months is surprising.