What was confirmed by the player himself has been announced: Alvaro Morata has signed for AC Milan, leaving Atletico Madrid for a second time. The 31-year-old forward comes off the back of captaining Spain to the Euro 2024 trophy, and the Rossoneri activated his release clause.
There has been some debate over the exact figures, but most sources say his clause was worth €15m. Remarkably, this comes just 17 days after he posted on his Instagram that he would be staying at Atletico, having pulled out of a deal to go to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.
✍ @AlvaroMorata is Rossonero 🔴⚫
Adding a touch of 𝑅𝑜𝑗𝑜 to our #DNACMilan 🧬#SempreMilan
— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 19, 2024
During his second spell at the club, he scored 36 goals in 93 appearances. This is far from a bad rate for any striker, especially given the work he gets through, but once again, the streaky nature of his form has seen his stock fall in Madrid. After Christmas, Morata managed just three goals for Atletico this season, which eventually saw him dropped by Diego Simeone.
🚨🇦🇷 Diego Simeone shouting praise to Arthur Vermeeren and Koke during training: “That’s the rhythm, guys, that’s the rhythm!”@diarioas
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) July 19, 2024
Although Samu Omorodion has returned from his loan at Alaves, in the eyes of many, this leaves Atletico on the hunt for a striker. Recent reports say they have restarted negotiations with Girona for Artem Dovbyk, which had stalled on price. With Morata out the door though, their need is more pressing now.
I predict a Borja Iglesias move to Celta Vigo will result in him regaining his form and prove to Luis de la Fuente he is worthy to play on the 2026 World Cup team while Morata continues to decline at Milan. Mark it down. You heard it here first.