Barcelona boss Xavi has confirmed that a deal is in the works for Antoine Griezmann to re-join Atletico Madrid on a permanent basis this season, with a deal of around 24m euros being worked on.
The Frenchman rose to prominence under Diego Simeone, but moved to the Camp Nou after several summers of speculation during the height of Barcelona’s financial opulence, signing for a reported £108m.
However, despite okay form in Catalonia, it was clear that something was not working for all parties, and Griezmann moved back to Atleti on loan just two years later.
His role in Simeone’s side so far this season has been as exclusively as a substitute due to a clause in his loan contract that means the move would have to be made permanent for a high fee were he to play a certain percentage of minutes this season, which has led to him more often than not joining the fray just after the hour mark.
🇫🇷 Antoine Griezmann substitute appearances so far this season:
Matchday 1: 62nd minute
Matchday 2: 62nd minute
Matchday 3: 64th minute
Matchday 4: 63rd minute
UCL matchday 1: 61st minute
Matchday 5: 63rd minute
UCL matchday 2: 63rd minuteWorld class shithousery by Atletico 😂 pic.twitter.com/GQemC2ud7l
— ODDSbible (@ODDSbible) September 13, 2022
Now, this is set to end, with an agreement having been reached for around half the initial fee, while the striker will also take a 30% pay cut. Quizzed on the deal, Barca boss Xavi revealed that “It’s not official yet… but there’s an agreement, so we are all happy”
“I can only wish the player the best”, the Spaniard added.
All documents ready for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to complete and announce Antoine Griezmann deal very soon. Final fee: €20m guaranteed plus total €4m add-ons package. 📑✍🏻 #Atleti
It’s just matter of time for the official statement, as deal is finally in place. pic.twitter.com/tmJWol5lsi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 8, 2022
Getting the 31-year-old off the books could well help Barcelona fund a move for Lionel Messi next summer, when his contract at Paris St Germain expires.
