La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are finally ready to end the Antoine Griezmann saga.
After joining Real Sociedad at a very young age, Griezmann graduated from the Real academy. The Frenchman was then promoted to the senior team and made his debut in 2009. Griezmann played five seasons for Sociedad before joining Atlético de Madrid in 2014. By signing for Atleti, Griezmann established himself as one of the best players in the world.
His constant performances with Atlético de Madrid earned him a place in the French team. The striker went on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France in Russia. Griezmann then joined Barcelona in 2019 when Barcelona paid his release clause worth €120m to the colchoneros.
The French striker played two years for Catalan giants Barcelona but was never able to match the performances of his Atletico days. Meanwhile, Barcelona was very poorly managed, resulting in an economic crisis. Subsequently, Barcelona struggled to support Griezmann’s huge salaries. For this reason, when Atlético asked them to loan the French striker back, the Catalans did not think twice.
Barcelona and Atleti hope to end Griezmann’s saga
After joining Atleti on a two-year loan deal, which also included a mandatory €40m purchase option, Griezmann has consistently failed to deliver.
For their part, Barcelona and Atleti also found themselves in disagreement over the clauses of the mandatory purchase. According to the Catalans, the clause has already been activated since Griezmann played at least 45 minutes in 50 percent of Atleti’s games last season.
However, Atletico Madrid believe it will only kick in if Grezmann plays at least 45 minutes in 50 per cent of games this season as well. Therefore, they did not intend to spend that money on the French striker.
Given this, Barcelona threatened Atleti with taking legal action. But now it looks like it won’t be necessary as the Blaugrana are willing to give up on the selling fee.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, both teams are ready to reach an agreement for a fee of €20m plus €2m in add-ons for the French striker.
Now Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has also admitted to the report. He believes that Barcelona and Atleti will reach an agreement soon.
Following the completion of the operation, Griezmann will give up a contract with Atleti that will keep him at the club until 2027. The striker will also take a big pay cut and is now happy to continue at Atleti.
Before, due to the clause, Atlti used Griezmann only for the last 30 minutes of the game. Now, after the agreement, they can use it however they want.
