Yannick Carrasco and Nicolas Gaitan have completed moves to Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, Atletico Madrid have confirmed.
Dalian Yifang have already signed Jose Fonte from West Ham and are now bolstering their offensive options ahead of their first season in the Chinese Super League.
Ma Lin’s side were also heavily linked with a move for Atletico icon Fernando Torres but have instead completed shock deals for Carrasco and Gaitan.
The latter only joined Atletico in 2016 but the 30-year-old failed to make any impression under Diego Simeone and has now secured a lucrative move to the Far East.
While Gaitan’s exit isn’t so much of a surprise, Carrasco’s decision to give up European football at the age of 24 is.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the past and looked destined for big things not so long ago, but the winger has endured a tough campaign.
Neither were first choice at Atletico at the time of their departure but Carrasco’s exit certainly dents Atletico’s hopes of chances of catching Barcelona in the league, as well as their aspirations in the Europa League.
Atletico did not to disclose the transfer fees involved but it is being reported that the La Liga side have recouped a combined £42m for the pair.
Between them, Gaitan and Carrasco only started nine league games for Atletico this season. Despite a lack of playing time, Carrasco still averaged a goal and an assist every 128.6 minutes of league action.
