Simao Sabrosa's wage demands seems to be standing in the
way of his move to Atletico Madrid.
According to reports from Portugal last week, Atletico Madrid had
agreed a 19 million euro deal with Benfica over the transfer of the
winger, and were close to agreeing terms.
However, that is where there has been a problem now. The player
wants 100,000 euros a week, while Atleti are only ready to play
just over half that sum.
A 5 million per annum salary is beyond them, and talks rumble
on.
There could be more trouble in what was almost a done deal last
Friday, as Benfica are also having doubts about the deal due to the
delays.
They agreed in principle to accept a 19m offer, much below the 25m
buy-out clause, on the insistence of Simao. But with the player
himself haggling over personal terms, they are ready to ask for
more.
Atletico, meanwhile, are desperate to land the winger after failing
in their prolonged chase of Ricardo Quaresma, and are convincing
Simao to accept 2.5-3 million euros a year, with some performance
based incentives.
