Spanish champions Atlético Madrid have announced Koke has extended his contract at the Estadio Vicente Calderón until 2019.
“Koke and Juanfran have extended their contracts with our Club until 2019 and 2018 respectively,” read a statement on the club’s official website, clubatleticodemadrid.com.
“Both players are essential to Atlético’s recent successes and their renewals are great news to our Club.”
Koke, 22, has been linked with a sensational summer move to Barcelona, as the long-term replacement for aging midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez.
The Spain international, who is also reportedly attracting interest from English Premier League side Manchester United, is viewed by many as the future of the La Roja midfield.
That said, Koke would like to see the aforementioned Xavi continue playing for the Spanish national team amid reports the 34-year-old has played his final competitive match for his country.
Xavi has won 133 international caps for Spain, netting 13 goals and winning three major trophies: Euro 2008, the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and Euro 2012.
In addition, Juanfran, formerly of Real Madrid, has signed a new deal with Atlético Madrid until the summer of 2018.
The Spain international, 29, joined Atletico from Osasuna for just €4 million in January 2011 and has since established himself as one of the best right-backs in Europe, while helping Atletico win four titles.
Elmander re-joins Brøndby
Former Toulouse striker Johan Elmander has joined Danish Superliga side Brøndby IF after being released by Galatasaray at the end of last season.
The Sweden international, 33, spent last season on loan at Premier League side Norwich City but scored just one goal in 29 league appearances, including 16 starts, as the Canaries were relegated from England’s top-flight.
At 33, Elmander is a fraction of his old self; however, he can still mentor the club’s young stars, including Simon Makienok.
“[Johan] is undoubtedly a player from the top shelf,” Brøndby sporting director Per Rud told the club’s official website. “Besides having an amazing history with Brondby, Johan Elmander is still an incredibly talented footballer.
“He starred last season in 28 appearances for Norwich in the Premier League, and in the seasons before he has played more than 50 matches for Galatasaray. This does not happen without being physically fit and having a very high energy while playing level.
“In our conversations with Elmander, he has shown great desire to be a part of our project, and we expect that, in addition to raising our team, [he] will have a major impact on building the winning culture of the club and the development of our many young players.
“Similar to Thomas Kahlenberg we [see] Elmander as a carrier of culture at the club. With his vast experience, he will be invaluable for our young squad and the talents that are waiting.”
In other news, Swansea City have agreed a four-year contract — reportedly worth £80,000-a-week — with highly-rated French striker Bafetimbi Gomis, who will become a free agent after his contract with Olympique Lyonnais expires at the end of the month.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
