Atleti apparently loaning Moya out to Real Sociedad for the rest of the season, that's after shipping Gaitán & Carrasco to China.

Only 19 senior players in the squad now, only 2 keepers of whom the 2nd is an Argentine 21 y.o. kid with zero European experience.

Could be a big summer window for them.

Enrique Castro 'Quini', who was a player at FC Barcelona between 1980 and 1984, died on Tuesday night of a heart attack at age 68. 'Quini' (Oviedo, September 23, 1949) was a synonym for goals par excellence. Also known as 'The Wizard,’ 'Quinocho' or 'Quinigol,’ he was one of the best strikers in Europe in his time, and a real poacher in the area. During his first year at the Club he also survived a kidnapping.

We'll see, they've probably got quite a bit of it lined up already, considering the time they've had to prepare and how they're trimming down the squad.

Could also be that Simeone's trying to send a message of ruthlessness. They went out of the CL very disappointingly, Cup's done too, so perhaps it's his way of telling the rest of the squad that those who don't pull their weight are going to be culled.

(Though this doesn't appear to be the case with Moya; he asked to leave because of the chance to play minutes at Sociedad. Deal not 100% confirmed yet, but if true it might include a clause for him to return if called upon.)

Griezmann likely off in the summer as well. So could be putting a lot of money towards some big signings to replace him.

Sad to hear that, Arab.

Quini was already a legend when he signed for Barça. By that time he'd already scored more than 200 league goals for Sporting Gijón.

By the nd of his career he'd been 5-time top scorer in Div 1 and twice more in Div 2. Never quite clicked for Spain though.

Either way, he was always a very well-liked character, always affable and a great sportsman.

After his release, he chose not to press charges against his kidnappers and waived his right to the damages he was awarded as a result.

RIP Quini.

Griezmann's form has picked up lately too. Shame for them he's leaving 'cos it's looking like he could form a great partnership with Costa.

Has potential to be a deadly partnership. I wonder where he’ll go. I was convinced we’d get him but not so sure now. Lots of talk about Barca but I’m not sure where he fits in. PSG or Chelsea maybe?

Being French, you could imagine PSG taking an interest, but I'm not sure they can just keep splashing and splashing. You think they could make room for him without shifting someone? Cavani?

I do rate him, just not at Robb hype levels. I think he'd score goals for pretty much anyone.

We won't get him now Sanchez has signed for us, think the Griezmann ship sailed long ago. We badly need midfielders and a new set of fullbacks.

I could see Cavani being moved on. Griezmann is a top player. But the money it’d cost would be pushing £100m and there are very few clubs that can afford that or be willing to spend it on him. A lot depends on who else goes where as well. Could be a replacement for Hazard if he leaves Chelsea.

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Might sound odd because the amount still sounds preposterous for a football transfer, but given the current climate I think £100m for Griezmann is actually good value.

Not bad at all for Division 3!

https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/feb/26/two-goal-of-the-season-contenders-in-the-same-french-football-match-video

First one especially is a real stunner.

Slowly becoming more interested in French footy. Watched a Marseilles game recently. Don't know if it was a one-off or not, but they played some really entertaining stuff.

That first goal is unbelievable.

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greasyman is in top form right now

i hope atleti can win in the Nou Camp, and make this league competitive again

Anyone could do it with [fill in club name]'s squad!

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Ratalanta

Five points difference at the top now. Big game Sunday.

Les Herbiers v Cambly in the French Cup semis ... 17th vs 18th in the French Third Division for a place in the final against PSG