Antoine Griezmann may be making a return to his old club Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain this week.
Mundo Deportivo have suggested that Griezmann’s transfer back to Madrid would involve an exchange with Saul Niguez whilst other reports in Spain say that a swap deal is unlikely.
Sportsmail have since claimed a deal is as good as done and all that needs to be worked out is wages.
Since the French forward’s €120 million transfer to Barcelona in 2019, he has struggled to replicate his form from his time at Atletico Madrid for the Catalan giants.
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Antoine Griezmann is in line for a return to Atletico Madrid as part of a swap deal with Barcelona for Saul Niguez, according to @partidazocope pic.twitter.com/XtsgEJbR13
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 14, 2021
As La Liga president Javier Tebas has confirmed in recent weeks, Barcelona must remove at least €200 million per year from their wage bill in order to meet the league’s salary cap demands.
Due to these financial struggles, Barcelona have been unable to renew Lionel Messi’s contract and register their new signings, including Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.
In a bid to reduce their wage bill, Barcelona have been looking to remove major earners such as Samuel Umititi, Miralem Pjanic and Griezmann as the latter is reportedly earning almost £300,000 a week.
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Griezmann became one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe during his spell at Atletico Madrid, scoring 133 goals in 257 appearances.
However, Mundo Deportivo have reported that the 30 year old forward may not be in the starting eleven anymore under Ronald Koeman considering the additions of Aguero and Depay in the forward areas.
Saul has also fell down the pecking order at Atletico Madrid, and since the club have purchased midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, there are suggestions that Saul is looking for a move since Liverpool have already been linked with the Spanish midfielder.
Who do you think is getting the better deal? Barcelona or Atletico Madrid?
Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit: PA