OFFICIAL: Girona Complete Thomas Lemar LOAN DEAL From Atletico Madrid

Girona have pulled off a major coup by securing Thomas Lemar on loan from Atlético Madrid for the 2025-26 season. The French winger’s move was confirmed on July 26, 2025, with both clubs agreeing to share his wages as part of the deal.

The loan arrangement sees Girona paying half of Lemar’s salary through to June 2026, while Atlético Madrid covers the rest. This setup makes financial sense for everyone involved – Girona get a top-class player without breaking their budget, while Atlético reduce their wage bill.

The 28-year-old will spend the entire upcoming season in Catalonia, giving him a full campaign to prove himself after struggling for game time in Madrid. It’s exactly the kind of move that could revive his career.

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Why Lemar Had to Leave Madrid

Lemar’s time at Atlético Madrid simply wasn’t working out. Despite the club spending €70 million to bring him from Monaco in 2018, he never quite fit into Diego Simeone’s rigid tactical system. The French international found himself watching from the bench more often than not.

His situation became impossible to ignore. A player of his talent sitting on the sidelines helps nobody – not the club paying his wages, not the player himself, and certainly not his international career prospects. Something had to give.

The loan move gives everyone a way out without burning bridges. Atlético get breathing space with their finances, while Lemar gets the chance to play regular football again.

What Girona Are Getting

This signing transforms Girona’s attacking options overnight. They’re getting a player who has 27 caps for France and starred in Monaco’s incredible Champions League run to the semi-finals in 2017. That’s not the kind of experience you can buy easily.

Lemar at his best is electric. He can hug the touchline or drift inside, create chances for others or score himself. His left foot is a wand when he’s confident, and he brings the kind of pace that can stretch any defense.

The key question is whether Girona can unlock the version of Lemar that made him so coveted when he left Monaco. The signs are promising – their more open style of play should suit him better than Simeone’s defensive approach.

Perfect Timing for Both Sides

Girona’s growth as a club has been impressive to watch. They’ve gone from strength to strength in recent seasons, and now they’re at the point where they can attract players who would have laughed at the idea of joining them just a few years ago.

The timing works for Lemar too. At 28, he’s entering what should be his prime years, but he needs to be playing regularly to make the most of them. A year out of the spotlight at Girona could be exactly what his career needs.

There’s no pressure here like there was in Madrid. He can focus on his football without worrying about living up to a massive transfer fee or fitting into a system that doesn’t suit his strengths.

The Financial Side Makes Sense

Splitting the wages was a smart solution. Girona couldn’t afford Lemar’s full salary, while Atlético wanted him off their books without paying compensation to get rid of him. The 50-50 split keeps everyone happy.

This type of arrangement is becoming more common in modern football. Clubs are finding creative ways to move players around without anyone taking a massive financial hit. It’s pragmatic and it works.

For Girona, they’re getting a €70 million player for half his wages and no transfer fee. That’s incredible value in today’s market.

What Success Looks Like

If this loan goes well, it opens doors for everyone. Lemar could find himself back in the France squad and attracting interest from other big clubs. Girona prove they can handle high-profile signings and might attract more quality players.

Even Atlético win if Lemar rediscovers his form. A successful loan could drive up his transfer value and help them recoup some of their investment when they eventually sell him.

The French winger knows this is probably his last chance to prove he belongs at the top level. Players don’t usually get many opportunities like this after struggling at a big club.

Getting Ready for Action

Lemar can join Girona’s pre-season training right away, which is crucial for his integration. The sooner he gets comfortable with his new teammates and their playing style, the bigger impact he can make when the season starts.

Pre-season is when loan signings either click or struggle to adapt. With a full summer to settle in, Lemar has the best possible chance of hitting the ground running.

Girona fans will be buzzing about this signing. They’ve never had a player of this caliber before, and seeing him in their colors will feel surreal for many supporters.

The beauty of a loan deal is that it’s not permanent. Everyone can reassess next summer based on how things go. But if Lemar finds his form again and Girona continue their upward trajectory, this could be the start of something special.