Griezmann has returned to Wanda Metropolitano on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to make the move permanent for around 40 million euros in the future.
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Antoine Griezmann rejoins Atletico Madrid from Barcelona on a dramatic summer transfer deadline day move. The Frenchman has returned to Wanda Metropolitano on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to make the move permanent for around 40 million euros in the future. Atletico said that the deal is an initial one-year loan, with an option to extend for further, renewable by either party. Barca’s statement also added that the deal contained an obligation to permanently sign Griezmann, with the Madrid-based side also paying the player’s full wages.
Griezmann joined Barcelona as a high-profile signing in 2019 for a deal worth 120 million euros but failed to live up to the expectations He managed to score only 22 league goals in two seasons at Camp Nou. The Frenchman could never find the same mojo at Barca that made him one of the world’s renowned strikers while in Atletico Madrid.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone bought him from Real Sociedad in 2014. The 30-year-old netted 133 times in five seasons and stands fifth in the list of all-time top scorers for the Madrid-based club. He won the Europa League title in 2018 and the same year went on to become a World champion with France in Russia.
Barcelona were reportedly looking for a swap deal involving Joao Felix, but that couldn’t be negotiated. Atletico’s board were unwilling to let the Portuguese forward leave. Meanwhile, the Catalan club’s desperate need to cut down wages paved the way for a move that would be only beneficial for their opponents.
And, in the end, Barca had to settle for Sevilla striker De Jong as a replacement for Griezmann. Ronald Koeman desperately needed a No. 9 after the departure of Lionel Messi and Griezmann, and because of their financial burden they could only manage Sevilla’s third-choice striker.
As per reports, the club’s priority in the final days was to reduce the wage bill. Even with Messi’s move to PSG the salaries still accounted for 95% of the club’s revenue and the gross depth is at 1.35 billion euros.
Therefore Barca has let go of Illaiz Moribo and Emerson Royal on Tuesday. Midfielder Moribo joined RB Leipzig for an initial 16 million euros, with up to 6 million euros to follow. The 18-year-old graduate of Barcelona’s academy, broke into the first team towards the end of last season.
Right-back Emerson has joined Tottenham Hotspur on a five-year deal for 25 million euros. The 22-year-old has spent the past two seasons with Real Betis and played for Brazil in the Copa America.
Griezmann’s move is certainly going to strengthen the Atletico attack. Simeone would be hoping to make a lethal attacking line-up consisting of Luis Suarez, Angel Correa, Felix and the Frenchman. All four of them have different strengths which could compliment each other and provide variety in the attacking department.
Suarez, as we all know, is a goal poacher who will keep the opposition defence on their toes, Correa will be the hardworking youngster who will do the bulk of the running. Griezmann is a smart player who can get into pockets of space and score. Meanwhile, Felix is a different kind of player who is extremely skilful and has brilliant footwork to run through the opponents.
If Simeone can utilise the abilities of the forward line effectively then we could see them defend their La Liga title.
