Lemar’s Lifeline: Will Atletico still try to sell ex-Monaco star now?

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 17 May 2021 21:42 BST
• 2 min read

Diego Simeone has offered Thomas Lemar hope that he has a long-term future at Atletico Madrid after the Frenchman scored his first goal of the season on Saturday.

Lemar opened the scoring in the Spanish capital as league leaders Atletico defeated Real Valladolid 2-0.

It was a much-needed boost for the midfielder, who has struggled badly since joining from Monaco for €70 million in the summer of 2018.

He scored no goals and made no assists in his 29 games in all competitions last term and had fired blanks this term, too, until Saturday.

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“The Lemar goal makes me very happy,” Simeone told Marca.

“He has been working for a long time to show what he is about, but he has not shown the consistency.

“Hopefully this will generate consistency, confidence and poise, as we need them all.”

Atletico attempted to sell Lemar during the recent summer transfer window but were unable to find any buyers willing to pay an acceptable transfer fee.

The Frenchman had been tipped for a possible departure in January, also, but his goal against Valladolid has raised hopes that he could be given a chance to push on.

Atletico have a big game in midweek as they need to avoid defeat to RB Salzburg in order to qualify for the next round of the Champions League.