Thomas Lemar's Girona Loan Move Confirmed as Atlético Madrid Future Remains Uncertain
Girona have completed the signing of Thomas Lemar on a season-long loan from Atlético Madrid, the La Liga club has confirmed. The 28-year-old French international will spend the 2024/25 campaign with the Catalan side, with the deal not including an option for a permanent transfer at this stage.
Lemar arrives at the Estadi Montilivi on the back of a challenging period, having missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. His last appearance for Atlético Madrid came in August 2023, and his last competitive goal was scored in May 2023. The move to Girona offers the 2018 World Cup winner a fresh start and a chance to regain his fitness and form in a dynamic, attacking side.
The 28-year-old's arrival at the Blanquivermells comes at a crucial time for the club, which is preparing for its first-ever UEFA Champions League campaign. Girona, who finished an historic third in La Liga last season, will be looking to Lemar to provide creativity and experience in a squad that will be stretched by the demands of European football. His versatility to play across the forward line or in midfield is seen as a valuable asset for manager Míchel.
For Atlético Madrid, the loan move represents an opportunity for Lemar to regain his fitness and market value, as his contract with the Madrid club is set to expire on June 30, 2025. His current deal with Atlético runs until 2027, but this loan to a domestic rival suggests he is not in manager Diego Simeone's immediate plans. The Frenchman, who joined Atlético from Monaco in 2018 for a reported €70 million, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form in recent seasons, making 30 or more appearances in a single La Liga season only once in his six years at the club.
Lemar's move is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move for Girona. The Frenchman, once a key target for Arsenal and a star of France's World Cup-winning squad, will be hoping to recapture the form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after talents. His experience and technical quality could prove vital for Girona as they navigate the dual challenge of a domestic and European campaign. For Atlético, the loan provides a temporary solution for a high-earning player, allowing him to either regain form and return to the Metropolitano or play his way into a permanent move next summer.
