Dominic MostertDecember 29, 2020 • Latest update: 13:28

Diego Costa is leaving Atlético Madrid immediately, the top club from LaLiga reports via official channels. Both parties have reached an agreement on the termination of the striker’s contract, which would run until June 30, 2021. In the past few days, Diego Costa announced internally that he wanted to leave for personal reasons. After that, the club and the attacker reached an agreement on the terms of the termination of his contract.

Last week, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported that Diego Costa is heading for a January or summer departure, as he had no plans to renew his contract. Due to injuries and the presence of João Félix and Luis Suárez, who together form an attacking duo, Diego Costa plays a supporting role in Diego Simeone’s team. The counter stands at seven appearances in LaLiga this season, of which only two as a basic player. The Spaniard missed six league games due to injuries and scored twice this season.

A transfer in January is now imminent. Chelsea and clubs from Brazil would be interested. If it comes to a transfer, Simeone wants to get a replacement, because there are fears of overload at Suárez. Atlético has already started the search for a successor and Arek Milik is said to be at the top of the list in the Wanda Metropolitano. The attacker has not been registered by Napoli for the Serie A and the Champions League this season, so a transfer in January seems inevitable. According to ASH Napoli has informed Milik’s agent that his client will have to cost eighteen million euros.

Monday night reported El Mundo that Atlético has sidelined some big clubs when it comes to the future of Diego Costa. The routine is said to have to pay a mega fine of 25 million euros if he starts working at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Seville. Atlético Madrid does not want to meet Diego Costa in the Champions League again this season. That is why a clause has been devised for this too: if the center striker signs with a club that is still active on the billion dollar ball, it will cost him five million euros. However, if Diego Costa goes to a club not mentioned in any of the clauses, Atlético Madrid will pay him his remaining salary of 3.2 million euros (for the period from January to July 2021).