Report: Axel Witsel set to join Atletico Madrid

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel is set to join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer, reports in Belgium claim.

Axel Witsel’s time at Borussia Dortmund is set to come to an end, with his contract expiring at the end of the season. And it looks like the defensive midfielder will be moving to Spain, with Belgian outlet RTBF claiming that he is about to join Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.

A number of clubs were interested in signing Witsel, including Olympique Marseille and Los Angeles Galaxy. But the Belgian international has apparently decided to join Atletico Madrid. And barring a last minute reversal, he will be playing for Diego Simeone’s side next season. RTBF claim that Witsel has already reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid, and the transfer is expected to be made official at the beginning of next week.

The report adds that Witsel will sign a one year contract with Atletico Madrid, with an option to extend for an additional year.

Witsel joined Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and immediately established himself as an important part of the team. However, he struggled to make the same impact this season. And the decision was made not to extend his contract. The 33 year old made 143 appearances across all competitions for the Black and Yellows.

Witsel said recently that he wants to continue to play at the highest level ahead of this year’s FIFA World Cup. And he will get the opportunity to do exactly that at Atletico Madrid, who finished third in the La Liga standings this season.