Atletico Madrid and Barcelona ‘close to agreement on cut-price £22m transfer of Antoine Griezmann’ to end farce of French striker coming on after the 60th minute to avoid triggering £35m clause in his loan deal
- Reports in France suggest the two clubs have made a breakthrough in talks
- Griezmann has been limited to sub appearances in Atletico games this season
- The club wanted to avoid triggering a £35m purchase clause in his loan deal
- Barcelona were threatening legal action as they believed the money was owed
- But a compromise that will see the striker move for £22m has been agreed
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly close to reaching agreement on the permanent transfer of Antoine Griezmann for a reduced price of £22million.
The France striker, 31, has been left frustrated this season by a clause in his loan deal at Atletico that restricts him to substitute appearances after the 60th minute.
Atletico were obliged to pay Barcelona £35m should Griezmann play in 50 per cent of their game time during his two-year loan spell with them.
Antoine Griezmann could be set for more game time at last after Atletico Madrid and Barcelona reportedly agreed a £22million transfer fee for the French striker
Griezmann has started every game on the bench this season, with Diego Simeone typically only introducing him after the 60th minute to avoid triggering a £35m transfer fee
Coach Diego Simeone strongly hinted he was under instructions from the Atletico hierarchy to limit Griezmann’s game time so the club wasn’t liable for the payment.
Barcelona, meanwhile, were reportedly preparing legal action as they felt they were already owed the money.
However, according to L’Equipe, a compromise may have been reached that will see Atletico pay Barcelona a lower fee to sign Griezmann and end the farce of his substitute appearances.
The French newspaper report that negotiations should be concluded during the upcoming international break and will come as a great relief for the player, who wants to nail down a spot in France’s World Cup squad.
Griezmann has a good relationship with Simeone and has proven his quality by scoring three goals after being introducing just after the hour mark in games so far this season.
