Atletico Madrid shift towards a release clause policy Atletico Madrid Griezmann, Rodri and Lucas left this way

Atletico Madrid are no longer negotiating bargain exits to the benefit of other clubs, as used to happen in the past.

Nowadays, at least in the past year, the rule is that clubs must pay the release clause of any Atleti players they are targeting.

This was the case when Lucas Hernandez, Rodri and Antoine Griezmann left the club in 2019, for a combined 270 million euros.

The bulk of that was made from Griezmann's controversial exit, as Barcelona paid 120m euros to release him from his contract - and then an additional 15m euros after a dispute between the two clubs.

With Rodri, Manchester City paid the 70m euros necessary to sign him.

With Lucas Hernandez, Bayern Munich did similar by paying 80m euros.

Now there is said to be interest in Saul Niguez, but Atletico Madrid are expected to stand firm once again and direct any suitors to his release clause of 150m euros.