Lautaro Martínez puts Atleti move in doubt with Racing Copa Libertadores pledge
The young Argentine striker has been heavily linked with a move to Diego Simeone's team, but this latest statement suggests a deal may still be far away.
Lautaro Martínez has cast doubt upon a transfer to Atlético Madrid, with the move threatening to become a soap opera. A deal to take the teenage striker from Racing Club to the Spanish capital appeared to be almost complete. His agent - Rolando Zaráte - said as much. Now, it appears less likely once again.
Martínez could stay at Racing for another year
Speaking from a Racing Club event in Buenos Aires, Martínez reaffirmed his loyalty to the club, at least in the short term. Asked about his future, he responded: "We've already sorted it out with the president that I'm going to stay [at Racing] for another six months, and if we qualify for the Libertadores, the whole year."
Martínez' statement drew cheers from the Racing fans at the event. Víctor Blanco - the club president - has always maintained that if the player is to leave, it will not be in January but during the summer. Yet based on Martínez' latest revelation, he may cross the Atlantic in January 2018.
Simeone must remain patient
Racing have already rejected an offer of €12.75 million from Atlético. The negotiations will continue, both between the two clubs, and between the player and his representatives. But for now, nothing has been signed. Diego Simeone is waiting for him, and the coach will have to remain patient.
