Sporting president demands an astronomical 9-figure fee for Gelson Martins

Gelson Martins joined Atletico Madrid in the summer for free after unilaterally terminating his contract Sporting.

His decision to rescind his own contract came after the violent scenes at Alcochete, where a group of Sporting 'fans' attacked their own players at their training complex.

Martins therefore felt he had grounds to terminate his association with the Lisbon club, citing 'just cause'. 

Atletico Madrid were the beneficiaries, picking up the pacey Portuguese winger for no cost at all. 

However, with controversial club president Bruno de Carvalho long gone and Frederico Varandas now at the helm, Sporting's desire to get compensation for one of their prize assets has only been elevated.

And now, as A Bola reported, Varandas will launch an astonishing attack against the Spanish outfit, taking the case to the Portuguese courts and demanding the payment of a jaw-dropping 105 million euros.

This fee reflects the buyout clause Gelson had in his contract before it was unilaterally terminated.

Atletico had previously attempted to negotiate a compensation fee in the realms of 15 million euros, but Sporting were holding out for at least €50million. 

Sporting eventually lowered their demands to €40million, but no agreement was reached, which is why Varandas has decided to take the matter to court.

The move to La Liga has been somewhat disastrous for the 23-year old winger, who has played just 223 minutes of league football this campaign, yet to score in the Spanish top flight.

Atletico Madrid are also believed to be open to letting the 21-time Portugal international leave in the January window, which would make this transfer something of a financial disaster for the Spanish outfit should they be ordered to pay even half the fee Sporting are requesting.