Report: Free-agent Witsel opts for Atletico Madrid
Belgian public broadcaster "RTBF" reports that Axel Witsel has come to terms with Spain's "Atleti".
Among the many suitors for Belgian international Axel Witsel, Atletico Madrid appears to have come on out top. The 33-year-old--one of the most valuable players available on a free this summer--will, according to the report, sign a one-year-contract after passing his medical tomorrow.
Dortmund opted not to extend the midfielder's expiring contract this summer. After four seasons with the BVB, there were apparently a few Bundesliga sides interested in prolonging Witsel's stay in the Bundesrepublik. At the end of the day, however, los Colchoneros offered the veteran playing time ahead of the coming World Cup.
Witsel still retains an estimated market value of €4 million. The right-footer scored two goals in 40 appearances across all competitions for Germany's Schwarzgelben. Primarily a six, Witsel had to fill in at center back frequently for former BVB trainer Marco Rose due to persistent injury woes within the squad.