Memphis Depay has signed a two-year contract with Brazilian club Corinthians following his departure from Atletico Madrid.

Depay was left out of the Netherlands' Nations League squad this month due to not having a club, but has now committed his future to Corinthians until December 2026.

The Dutchman made just 23 LaLiga appearances for Atletico last season, netting five goals, the fifth-best tally in the squad, and registering one assist.

He originally joined the club in January 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year contract but agreed to part ways with Atletico at the end of last season.

Depay then played in all six of the Netherlands' Euro 2024 matches, scoring against Austria before getting an assist against Turkiye, and Ronald Koeman has assured he will not close the door on the winger's international future like he did after Steven Bergwijn's move to the Saudi Pro League.  

Conor Gallagher insists his Chelsea departure was not due to him lacking the technical qualities to play Enzo Maresca's preferred possession-based style of play.

Gallagher joined Chelsea at the age of six and progressed through the ranks before making 95 senior appearances for the Blues between 2019 and 2024. 

He captained the side regularly under Mauricio Pochettino last season as skipper Reece James battled a series of injuries, only to find himself out of favour when Maresca replaced the Argentine.

Gallagher sealed a £34million move to Atletico Madrid in August, amid questions around his suitability for the patient style of play favoured by former Leicester boss Maresca.

Gallagher started 37 of Chelsea's 38 league games last season, more than any of his fellow Blues midfielders, completing 1,766 of his 1,930 attempted passes with an accuracy of 91.5%.

That latter figure was the best recorded by any Chelsea midfielder in league action, ahead of Moises Caicedo in second (90.8%). 

However, when those stats are adjusted to per 90 minute values, Gallagher ranked third among Chelsea midfielders for passes completed (50.7 per 90) and successful passes in the opposition half (28.56), and fourth for passes completed in the final third (15.67).

He does not believe the narrative that he was unable to fit into Maresca's engine room is a fair one, however, saying: "I don't think that's true.

 

"Last season I had a good season with Chelsea and you could see that by Pochettino playing me every game and showing his trust in me. 

"The fans appreciated what I did on the pitch. I'm very grateful for all of that and very thankful to the fans, and very thankful to Pochettino for giving me that platform to go and express myself and show the best version of myself at Chelsea.

"Chelsea make their own decisions and they've brought in some top players on long contracts. That wasn't the situation with me but what happened is good for everyone."

Gallagher has helped his new club make a positive start to the new campaign, with Los Colchoneros sitting third in LaLiga – level with rivals Real Madrid – with eight points from four games.

Asked about his first interactions with new boss Diego Simeone, Gallagher said: "He was very welcoming and it was, 'ready to get to work?', basically.

"That's what he's like, that's his character; he just wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and to win – and that's perfect for me."

Gallagher will hope to feature for England when they take on the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener on Saturday, in their first game under caretaker boss Lee Carsley.

Diego Simeone insisted Atletico Madrid are merely focused on "game by game" during a tense press conference, following his side's mixed start to the LaLiga season.

Los Rojiblancos' head coach, who was speaking ahead of their trip to face Athletic Bilbao, offered short, vague answers to only a handful of questions as he addressed reporters for just four-and-a-half minutes.

Simeone has come under scrutiny after Atletico drew two of their opening three matches, with a drab goalless stalemate against promoted Espanyol already leaving them four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

During the latter, the Argentine substituted Julian Alvarez and Samuel Lino at half-time, while he replaced striker Alexander Sorloth for defender Reinildo later on with his side still seeking the breakthrough that never arrived.

Atleti enjoyed a strong transfer window with the signings of Alvarez, Sorloth, Conor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand, but have struggled for consistency thus far.

When asked about the high expectations surrounding his squad and their aims for this season, Simeone told reporters: "Game by game. Since I arrived here 12 years ago, we try to compete in all competitions as best as we can."

On facing reigning Copa del Rey winners Bilbao, who defeated his side 3-0 in the semi-finals of last season's competition, he added: "Every time we play in Bilbao, we know how difficult it is.

"They are a strong rival at home, with their fans behind them. They are enjoying their best years and are the cup winners. 

"We predict a difficult match and that we have to take it to where we want it to be."

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone bemoaned his side's wastefulness in front of goal after they were held to a 0-0 home draw by Espanyol.

Simeone's side had 25 shots and mustered 2.71 expected goals on Wednesday, yet could not get over the line against one of LaLiga's promoted teams.

Visiting goalkeeper Joan Garcia made seven saves to ensure Espanyol took what may prove to be a valuable point in their bid to stay up this season.

Simeone said his side were undone by a "lack of precision" in front of goal.

"It worries me, as always, but I can't stop appreciating the good game the team played. When you have five clear goalscoring opportunities like the ones we had?" Simeone told Movistar.

"Well, they didn't go in, but the opportunities we created were the result of our play, not by chance. We expected to win, but they defended well and we were not convincing. If you don't score, it's very difficult.

"The team played very well, they made a very strong start to the first half. Then we dropped off a bit, that's why we made the changes. In the second half, we didn't have so many chances to score, but we played well."

Simeone made three changes at half-time to freshen things up, with Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Pablo Barrios coming on, although eyebrows were raised when struggling striker Alexander Sorloth, a big-money addition from Villarreal, was replaced by defender Reinildo.

"We never changed the system, we continued with a 5-3-2 to balance the team, which was starting to split," Simeone explained.

"The opponent could also hurt us and we balanced the middle with Llorente and Barrios."

Atletico Madrid had 25 attempts at goal but could not find the breakthrough as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Espanyol in LaLiga on Wednesday.

Espanyol are the only team yet to score in LaLiga and they showed no signs of breaking their duck in a one-sided contest at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano.

Yet despite mustering 2.71 expected goals (xG), Atleti were unable to blow the door down.

New signings Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth came close to opening the scoring in the first half, while Rodrigo Riquelme had two goals chalked off for offside, the first after a lengthy VAR check and the second in added time.

Espanyol's rearguard held firm as goalkeeper Joan Garcia made seven saves to deny Diego Simeone's side all three points.

Data Debrief: Sorloth misfiring

Sorloth enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Villarreal last season, but the Norway international has so far struggled to replicate that form for Atletico.

In fact, he has now had his longest run of shots in LaLiga without finding the net (six), with four of those coming in this contest.

Rui Patricio has signed for Atalanta on a one-year deal as a free transfer following his departure from Roma.

The 36-year-old left the Italian capital after the expiry of his contract, being replaced as first-choice keeper by Mile Svilar when Daniele De Rossi took over as manager.

Patricio joined Roma in July 2021 and made 129 appearances, keeping 48 clean sheets in all competitions. He won the inaugural Europa Conference League title with the club.

At international level, he earned 108 caps for Portugal and was part of the team that won the 2016 European Championship.

Atalanta announced the signing hours after goalkeeper Juan Musso moved to Atletico Madrid on loan until the end of the season.

Musso was limited to just 24 appearances for Atalanta in all competitions last season but played a huge role as the club claimed just the second trophy in their history by beating Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.

In 11 Serie A appearances last season, Musso made 23 saves and conceded 12 goals, keeping six clean sheets.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said Julian Alvarez needs time to find his feet after a 3-0 win over Girona, predicting the forward will be "incredible" for Los Colchoneros.

Atleti got off the mark for the new campaign with a comfortable win over last season's LaLiga runners-up, with Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente and Koke scoring.

Alvarez was quiet on his first start following his €95million (£81.5m) switch from Manchester City, but Simeone is certain he will come good.

"Top players demand things to happen, people go to the stadium to watch them. We know what Julian brings and what he can give us," Simeone said.

"We will try to exploit his best qualities, as a first striker or second striker, or on the wing... 

"He is still missing connections but that will come with training and matches, he has only just arrived but we have to give him time."

The Argentine coach then heaped praise on Llorente, who also added an assist for Koke's goal from right-back.

Simeone added his fine form will boost competition with fellow right-back Nahuel Molina, saying: "I am very happy to see that after one or two years looking for an important place for a player with his characteristics, we have found a spot for him.

"This calls for Molina to improve, to show the World Cup and Copa America winner he is.

"We need competition. Because Llorente will not always be able to play at the same pace and we have another great player like Molina who will do the same as Marcos in that position." 

 

Marcos Llorente scored a fine individual effort as Atletico Madrid claimed their first LaLiga victory of the season with a 3-0 win over Girona.

Antoine Griezmann and substitute Koke were also on target for Diego Simeone's side at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano.

Atletico, who handed a debut to new signing Conor Gallagher later on, broke the deadlock six minutes before half-time.

Griezmann stepped up and drilled a fierce 18-yard free-kick beyond Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga, who had been penalised for handball just outside his own penalty area.

Gazzaniga was helpless again within three minutes of the restart, as Llorente embarked on a powerful solo run from just inside his own half, before rifling into the roof of the net from 20 yards.

And Los Rojiblancos sealed the victory in stoppage time following a swift counter that culminated in Llorente crossing for Koke to volley home.

Data Debrief: Griezmann picks up where Suarez left off

Since the 2015-16 season, Atletico have scored 10 goals directly from free-kicks in all competitions, with Griezmann scoring nine of those.

His effort today was the first such goal by a Los Rojiblancos player since Luis Suarez against Cadiz back in January 2021.

Griezmann also continued his personal scourge of Girona. Indeed, that was the midfielder's fifth goal against them in LaLiga (equalling Borja Iglesias), with no player registering more.

Diego Simeone is counting on Atletico Madrid's passionate fans to spur them on in their first LaLiga home match of the season against last year's surprise package Girona on Sunday.

Atletico made a disappointing start to the season with a 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Monday as they failed to find a winner in the second half after twice coming from behind to level.

With Girona once again looking to challenge for a top-four place this season, Simeone is ready to use every advantage his team can get.

"I played my time as a footballer in front of this crowd, and it was above everything else," Simeone said in a press conference.

"It always pushes those who have to play and, hopefully, we can release the energy of the stadium onto the pitch."

Julian Alvarez, Conor Gallagher and Spain Euro 2024 champion Robin Le Normand were introduced to a crowd of over 30,000 at the Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday, with Simeone admitting he felt emotional when he saw the reception given to the new signings. 

"The other day at the unveilings, when I saw the recognition given to the new boys and how so many people came to see those players, I was thrilled," Simeone added.

"Today we have the chance, with a lot of hard work, to put together an interesting and competitive squad and we have to be aware of the place we are in and the responsibility that this entails.

"We live it with a lot of passion, I don't forget where we come from. Sure, it will depend on a number of factors, but on Wednesday I got emotional. This is a consequence of what past generations have left behind."

Atletico have already spent more than €200million to reinforce their squad after a disappointing season in which they finished fourth in LaLiga.

However, the 54-year-old said he expects to add two more players to his squad before the transfer window closes next week. 

"We are fulfilling everything we talked about at the beginning of the summer, the path is going the way we wanted, we are on the way to closing it; we are still missing two players who should arrive soon, in a few hours they will be with us," Simeone said.

One of those players should be French defender Clement Lenglet, who, according to media reports, is expected to arrive from Barcelona on a season-long loan, with the Catalan giants desperately trying to reduce their first-team wage bill so they can comply with LaLiga's financial controls. 

Conor Gallagher is already feeling at home after swapping Chelsea for Atletico Madrid, having received a rousing welcome at his unveiling at the Civitas Metropolitano on Friday.

Gallagher, who joined Chelsea at the age of six, left in a €42million (£35.5m) deal on Wednesday, penning a five-year deal with LaLiga giants Atleti.

The 24-year-old joined Atleti's other new signings – including former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez – in being presented to fans at Los Colchoneros' stadium on Friday.

Speaking after the event, the England international said: "It was amazing, I enjoyed every minute, it was a good sign of what is to come from the fans.

"They made me feel at home and it gave me a lot of excitement to be able to play the games in this stadium and give everything in every game."

Gallagher's move to Spain was initially delayed due to the collapse of a transfer that would have taken Samu Omorodion in the other direction, only for Joao Felix's return to Stamford Bridge to facilitate an agreement.

Gallagher was always confident things would work out, saying: "I wanted to come to the club and I saw the club wanted me too. 

"I knew it was going to work out and I'm very happy."

The midfielder then added that Atletico coach Diego Simeone was a major reason for his determination to seal the move.

"He's one of the best in the world and I'm really looking forward to playing for him," Gallagher said.

"I think I fit in quite well with the way he plays and he appreciates that I give my all. These first few days have been difficult, it's very hot, but I'm going to get used to it.

"I'm very excited about all of this, not just playing for this great club. Playing in a different country, living in a different country... 

"I have to learn Spanish quickly because it will help me and my coach in everything I do on the pitch." 

Conor Gallagher has completed a permanent transfer to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, ending his 16-year association with the club. 

Gallagher, who made 95 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, has signed a five-year deal with the LaLiga side for a reported £36m transfer fee. 

The 24-year-old becomes only the second Englishman to play for the Spanish side after Kieran Trippier did so between 2019 and 2022, winning the league three years ago.

He captained Chelsea to European football last season, enjoying his most prolific campaign as he scored seven goals while adding nine assists in all competitions. 

The midfielder adds another solid option for Diego Simeone, after winning the most tackles (52) of anyone in the Chelsea squad last year.

He also completed more interceptions (43) and creating more chances (53) than midfield partners Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. 

Gallagher's move to the Wanda Metropolitano looked to have fallen through following the collapse of Chelsea's move for striker Samu Omorodion. 

However, the deal was revived after Enzo Maresca's side agreed to sign Joao Felix from the Spanish club. 

The England international becomes Simeone's fourth major signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Julian Alvarez, Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth. 

 

Diego Simeone said he spotted positives in Atletico Madrid's performance, despite the disappointing 2-2 draw at Villarreal in their LaLiga opener on Monday.

Atletico had to fight back twice in the first half to rescue a point against Villarreal, who made the most of their rivals' mistakes in defence.

Arnaut Danjuma easily beat Atletico defender Axel Witsel to score Villarreal's opener before a bad mistake by goalkeeper Jan Oblak 19 minutes later led to an own goal from captain Koke.

"We played a good game. We had individual situations that we have to improve but as a collective effort the team played well, but we conceded goals we could have avoided," Simeone told Movistar Plus.

"[The] thing is, in the few chances they had in attack we were toothless and conceded two goals in isolated plays. But I saw good things and details that make the difference throughout the year."

Simeone said he was satisfied with the debut of his blockbuster signing Julian Alvarez, who came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of the game, though he had little impact.

The Argentinian only joined Atletico a week ago after Manchester City agreed a deal of more than €75million to part with the versatile 24-year-old forward.

"Julian is gradually getting to know the club and his teammates and understanding the system that we are going to play so we are hopeful we'll be able to [appreciate] all the great things he has to offer soon enough," Simeone said.

The manager also confirmed that Joao Felix's absence on Monday was due to "the transfer market" after British and Spanish media reported that Atletico had a deal in place to send the Portuguese forward to Chelsea.

"Soon you will know what I have already been told," Simeone said with a laugh when he was asked about Felix.

Atletico Madrid twice fought back from behind to earn a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Villarreal in their LaLiga season opener on Monday.

Forward Arnaut Danjuma gave the hosts an 18th-minute lead but Atletico hit back within two minutes as Marcos Llorente capped a lightning counterattack.

Diego Simeone's team fell behind for the second time when Jan Oblak failed to claim a deep cross in the 37th minute, with the ball deflecting off the back of captain Koke and into the net.

But forward Alexander Sorloth, making his Atletico debut following an outstanding 2023-24 season with Villarreal, came back to haunt the Yellow Submarine with a second equaliser.

Sorloth, who finished one goal shy of LaLiga's Golden Boot winner Artem Dovbyk last term, scored with a towering header six minutes into first-half stoppage time, with a quieter second half passing without further incident.

Data Debrief: Sorloth stands alone

Despite a trip to his former club representing a tricky first Atleti outing for Sorloth, he picked up where he left off in a brilliant 2023-24 campaign.

His goal was his 18th in LaLiga in 2024, more than any other player has scored in one of Europe's top five leagues, with Jonathan David and Harry Kane in joint-second with 15 apiece.

Atleti's attack will be further boosted when former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez gets up to speed. 

He was limited to a 17-minute substitute appearance on Monday, only completing two passes and committing two fouls in a quiet outing.

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes new signing Julian Alvarez shares the club's DNA and will be an immediate hit in LaLiga.

Atletico completed a deal worth up to €95million (£81.5m) for Alvarez earlier this week, bringing an end to his trophy-laden two-year spell with Manchester City.

The Argentina international, who scored 19 goals across all competitions in his final campaign with City, could make his Atleti debut on Monday, when they begin their LaLiga campaign with a trip to Villarreal.

Despite Alvarez not having much time to train with his team-mates, Simeone believes he has adapted quickly and could make a flying start to his time at the Civitas Metropolitano. 

"Julian is a player we are all looking forward to seeing and who will help us to be better. It was all very sudden, so quick," Simeone said at Sunday's pre-match press conference. 

"He just arrived a little while ago, has been training for four days but has been adapting fast.

"But I see him with a lot of enthusiasm, knowing where he is coming from and understanding where he is heading towards. His characteristics fit the Atleti DNA."

Atletico have also completed deals for Spain's Euro 2024-winning defender Robin Le Normand and Alexander Sorloth, who was one goal away from a share of LaLiga's Golden Boot last season.

However, Simeone has played down talk of Los Colchoneros rivalling Real Madrid – who completed a long-awaited move for Kylian Mbappe this off-season – and Barcelona for the title.

"Real Madrid start as the best team and will have to prove it with the wonderful players they have, while all the rest of us will be behind them," Simeone said.

"We haven't finalised the squad yet, we need to focus on tomorrow's game and see game by game how the team progresses.

"Barcelona continue to have a very good team, Real continue to grow with players who are phenomenal but it's clear that we have to think about ourselves." 

Julian Alvarez believes moving to Atletico Madrid will allow him to become "the best version" of himself, having left Manchester City in a €95million (£81.5m) deal.

Alvarez called time on his two-year stay at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week, having won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup after joining from River Plate in 2022.

The Argentina international scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side, 19 of which came in 54 outings last season.

No other City player made as many appearances as Alvarez across all competitions and Guardiola was keen to keep him at the club, but the 24-year-old had his heart set on a new challenge.  

"I felt like I needed a change in my career, a new challenge," Alvarez told reporters at his Atletico unveiling on Friday.

"I feel like this is a club where I can get the tools and the space to become the best version of myself as a football player.

"From the very first moment, even before it was official, people have been very supportive. Many fans were at the airport waiting for the flight to land.

"That support and affection from the beginning makes me really happy. It makes me confident too. I'm very grateful."

 

Alvarez is the most expensive of three signings made by Atleti ahead of the new campaign, which they begin by travelling to Villarreal on Monday.

Diego Simeone's men have also spent €34.5m on centre-back Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad, as well as completing a €32m swoop for Villarreal striker Alexander Sorloth.

They saw a potential move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher stall this week, however, due to the collapse of an agreement over Samu Omorodion going the other way.

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.