Atletico Madrid sign Javi Galan from Celta Vigo

Atletico Madrid have confirmed the signing of Javi Galan from Celta Vigo on a three-year contract.

The 28-year-old started his professional career with Badajoz before moving to Cordoba in 2015, representing the club for four years ahead of a switch to Huesca in the summer of 2019.

Galan made a strong impression during his time at Huesca, featuring on 83 occasions, contributing two goals and five assists in the process, with 53 of those appearances coming in La Liga.

Celta signed him in 2021, and Galan has been a vital player for the Sky Blues over the last two seasons, featuring on 79 occasions, scoring once and providing seven assists.

Last season, the Spaniard made 40 appearances for the Vigo outfit, with 37 of his outings coming in Spain's top flight, but his time with Celta has now come to an end.

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Atletico announced on Monday evening that they had come to an agreement with Celta to purchase Galan, who has penned a contract at Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2026.

"The left-back, with great offensive projection, has signed with our club after reaching an agreement with Celta de Vigo for the transfer of the player," read a statement on Atletico's official website.

"Javi Galan (November 19, 1994, Badajoz) is a new player for our club after reaching an agreement with Celta de Vigo for the transfer of the left-back, who will wear the red and white jersey until June 30, 2026."

Galan brings with him a wealth of experience in Spain's top flight, having featured on 127 occasions in the competition, but he has never played in a European tournament.

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Shortly after announcing the Galan deal, Atletico revealed that an agreement had been reached with Celta to sell left-back Manu Sanchez, with the 22-year-old moving to Balaidos on a permanent deal.

The 22-year-old has been on loan at Osasuna since 2021, making 88 appearances, scoring once and providing 11 assists during a successful spell.

Sanchez has only featured on seven occasions for Atletico's first team, though, and he has been allowed to leave the club on a permanent basis.

"Atletico de Madrid and RC Celta de Vigo have reached an agreement for the transfer of Manu Sanchez," read a statement on the capital club's official website.

Atletico have also sold Geoffrey Kondogbia to Marseille this summer, while Javi Serrano has joined Sturm Graz on loan and Matt Doherty has been released.