The Daily Rojiblanco: September 4, 2017

• Pitch installation to begin today

According to a report from AS, construction of the Wanda Metropolitatno remains on schedule, and the new pitch will be laid starting sometime today. This would give the surface just under two weeks to take hold before our home opener against Málaga.

The report also notes that work on the roadways that will service the stadium has also begun.

• Could Griezmann leave earlier than expected?

According to various reports yesterday, the buyout clause for Antoine Griezmann’s contract has been reduced to €100 million, after a temporary increase to €200 million designed to shield the player during this summer transfer window.

Manchester United are believed to be the primary suitor for the Frenchman’s services, and could activate the clause in January.

Atlético Madrid’s registration ban will be lifted at that time, but should Griezmann leave — highly unlikely as it may be — Atleti would have to act quickly to replace him.

• Costa could face legal action from Chelsea

The latest turn in the world’s most infantile transfer saga sees Chelsea threatening legal action against wantaway striker Diego Costa if he does not return to training. As I’m sure you know by now, Costa has refused to return to London due to personal disagreements with the club and coach Antonio Conte.

Atlético, for their part, have reportedly urged the player to return to the London club and sort out this mess. With the transfer window closed and no deal reached for the player, Costa seems to have little choice but to return to work and hope for a transfer back to Madrid in January.

• Oldest Club member passes away

The club have announced via their website the sad news that the oldest club member, José Luis Rodríguez, has died at the age of 91. Rodríguez had been a card-carrying socio since 1933! I’m sure we can all tip our hats to his impressive lifetime of dedication to los rojiblancos.