Cesar Azpilicueta close to joining Sevilla after Atletico Madrid exit

Sevilla are close to completing the signing of Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer.

Azpilicueta, 36, departed Atletico Madrid in the summer following the conclusion of his contract.

The deal is subject to the defender completing a medical. Azpilicueta had interest from elsewhere in Europe, in addition to MLS and from Qatar, but Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon has been key in his decision to join the club.

Azpilicueta moved to Atletico from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, having made 508 appearances and won the Champions League with the Premier League side.

He played 34 times for Atletico during his debut season, featuring at both centre-back and right-back, and extended his contract with the Spanish side the following summer.

However, he was restricted to 20 appearances last term either side of a month spell out with a muscular injury and started just 10 times in La Liga. The club announced in May they would not be renewing his contract.

The move to Atletico marked the first time the former Spain international had played in La Liga since departing Osasuna for Marseille in 2010.

Sevilla finished 17th in La Liga last season, one point and one place clear of the relegation zone. They are currently 18th after losing their opening two league matches.

(Photo: Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)