Rumours that Atletico and Godin may end an eight-year association first began just after the domestic season ended, with Diego Simeone's side winning the Europa League and finishing second in La Liga.
AS then revealed during the World Cup that Godin's release clause had dropped to €20 million, as his contract entered its final 12 months, and reported that Juventus were interested in making a move at that price.
At first it seemed the speculation might be a ploy to get an improved new contract -- that is what happened in the summer of 2015 when Godin was reportedly close to joining Chelsea or Manchester City, only to secure an extra year on his existing deal and a nice payrise too.
Atletico's best defender last year was probably Lucas Hernandez, a centre-back by trade who filled in mostly at left-back when Filipe Luis was injured.
The 22-year-old was fast-tracked to fill France's problem position, and started all seven games in Russia to become a World Cup winner, so it is hard to see him going back on the bench long-term. And his most natural position is Godin's left-sided centre-back slot.
If Godin does come on the market it would be no surprise for other clubs, including his former suitors in the Premier League, to make a move. The World Cup showed that he is still at the top of his game but an amicable exit would make sense for all parties involved.
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