Atlético have completed the signing of Jackson Martínez. The Spanish club in reality had the deal tied up two weeks ago (with Porto even informing the Portuguese stock exchange of the move) but the final cost of the operation hadn’t been decided, because Porto were keen on several Atleti players.
Óliver was the main target of the Portuguese club, either on loan or as part of a swap, but Atlético refused to allow the player to leave. Atleti refused on a number of occasions to budge on the issue. Moyá also won’t move, meaning Casillas will be first choice for the Portuguese side.
In the end then no other players are involved in the operation to bring Jackson to Madrid, meaning the final cost is 36.75 million euros (35 million buy-out clause, plus 5% due for player development), the second most expensive signing in Atleti’s history. The club made an official statement on their website, confirming the player is signing for four years.
Atleti’s sporting director said: "We are delighted with the agreement, because Jackson Martinez is an extraordinary striker, able to produce the goods in any kind of attacking situation in the box. Thanks to his size, he heads very well and interchangeably uses either foot to shoot. I am sure that he will greatly increase the potential of our team and will bring plenty to the group. We are delighted with his signing because he is a player used to competing at the highest level with Porto and he has shone brightly in major competitions such as the Champions League."