Atletico Madrid Announce Signing of Gelson Martins on 5-Year Contract

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Gelson Martins on a five-year contract until the summer of 2023. 

Los Rojiblancos announced Martins as a free transfer after he was one of the stars to terminate their contracts with former club Sporting CP following an attack from fans at a training complex, per the Guardian's Ed Aarons.

Football Espana referred to recent reports suggesting Sporting were confident of securing a €45 million (£40 million) fee for their player, who was linked with a series of major European clubs following the fallout in Lisbon.

Spanish football writer Colin Millar related the signing to that of Rui Patricio, who was among the first to have his deal at Sporting terminated this summer before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers:

It's not the first big name Atleti have added to their wings this summer after already recruiting Thomas Lemar from AS Monaco, another deal that saw them beat a list of well-respected suitors in a difficult market.

Along with signing striker Antoine Griezmann and defender Lucas Hernandez to new deals, the future looks bright at the Wanda Metropolitano, Yahoo's Andrew Gaffney suggested:

Diego Simeone is hoping to go one better than last season's runners-up finish in La Liga and this time go the whole hog by taking the title from Barcelona, and this summer's business suggests the intent to fight is there.

The Madrid giants have rejuvenated the squad by allowing Gabi, 35, and Fernando Torres, 34, to leave for Al Sadd and Sagan Tosu, respectively, while acquiring talents such as Martins, 23, and Lemar, 22.

Martins netted 27 goals and recorded 30 assists in 140 appearances for Sporting, but the Euro 2016 winner faces a step up in moving to La Liga.

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan acknowledged the winger has parts of his game that are in need of ironing out, although the capture is an exciting one for the club:

Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan left for Chinese club Dalian Yifang in February to lessen Atleti's wide options, while Vitolo failed to impress as some might have hoped during his first campaign in Madrid.

Following the signing of Lemar, the addition of Martins brings in another young winger who already boasts UEFA Champions League experience and will look to thrive after ending his Sporting ordeal.