Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are known for their defensive strength, and now they’ve added a new piece to the puzzle. On Wednesday, the team from the Spanish capital announced the signing of Gabriel Paulista from Valencia until the end of the season. The former Arsenal center-back will wear the number 4 jersey.
The 33-year-old Brazilian passed the medical examination and subsequently signed his contract. Atlético Madrid urgently needed a defender following Çağlar Söyüncü’s loan move to Fenerbahce and injuries to César Azpilicueta and Uruguayan José María Giménez.
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Gabriel Paulista gets a huge chance late in his career
“The central defender has a long career and extensive experience, as Gabriel has played not only in LaLiga but also in the Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League,” said Atlético Madrid in a statement.
¡Gabriel Paulista ya es rojiblanco! ❤️🤍
🤩 #BienvenidoPaulista pic.twitter.com/3fHx6s5sXN
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) January 31, 2024
Gabriel’s departure also solved a conflict at Valencia. With only six months left on his contract, club owner Peter Lim ordered that Paulista should not play the 20 games required to trigger an automatic extension, which caused friction with coach Rubén Baraja, who saw the Brazilian as a key player for his plans.
Moise Kean did not pass the medical examination
Gabriel Paulista became Atlético Madrid’s third signing in the winter transfer window, following the arrivals of Belgian midfielder Arthur Vermeeren and Romanian goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan.
The team, currently third in LaLiga, is in the Copa del Rey semifinals and in the Champions League round of 16. The Colchoneros were also interested in a six-month loan for Juventus striker Moise Kean. However, his transfer did not come to fruition after he failed to pass the medical examination, according to the Spanish press.
