Atlético de Madrid seem to have emerged victorious from their battle with Barcelona over Antoine Griezmann. Fabrizio Romano claims that an agreement has been reached to keep Griezmann in the Spanish capital and that it should be announced soon.
Barça coach Xavi has also confirmed the transfer during a press conference on Saturday. “The club tells me that they have reached an agreement, but it is not official,” said Xavi. “If there is an agreement, it means that all parties are happy. I wish the player the best.”
Atleti Griezmann transfer saga
Griezmann was previously in a very strange situation with Atleti. The French international returned to manager Diego Simeone’s side last summer on a loan transfer with the possibility of making the deal permanent if Griezmann made a certain number of starts.
Simeone has regularly chosen not to start Griezmann and rather use him as a late substitute. The Argentine’s move was an attempt to avoid paying the mandatory $40 million fee to make the transfer permanent.
Although Barca previously threatened a lawsuit over the deal, it appears Atletico Madrid’s Simeone has flouted the system. Romano has stated that the new deal for the player will be around $20 million with additional add-ons also in the mix.
Despite his lack of playing time, Griezmann has performed quite well during the current campaign. He managed three goals and an assist in just over 400 total minutes on the field before the weekend’s game. His very late goal against Porto in the opening match of the Champions League group stage has undoubtedly been the highlight of the club’s season.
Barca previously paid Atleti around $132 million for Griezmann in the summer of 2019. The colchoneros are now getting the player back for just a fraction of the cost.
Griezmann started in Atleti’s league match against Girona on Saturday.
