Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are close to agreeing on a deal in which Antoine Griezmann would return to Los Rojiblancos and Saul Niguez would join the Camp Nou. This may be the most intriguing deal on the transfer market this summer.
There have been other player deals in the past that caught the football world off guard.Let’s take a look at some of the most important swaps in the history of football.
Eto’o – Ibrahimovic (2009)
After winning the treble in 2009,Barcelonapaid Inter 45 million euros and usedSamuel Eto’oas a makeweight to bring inZlatan Ibrahimovic, with the Cameroonian striker being valued at 20m euros at the time.Eto’owent on to win another treble, while the Swede didn’t quite fit in at the Camp Nou.
Luis Garcia – Torres (2007)
Liverpoolspent 36m euros to signFernando TorresfromAtletico Madridin a deal that would seeLuis Garcia, who was valued at 4m euros, make the reverse trip to the Estadio Vicente Calderon.
Baptista – Reyes (2006)
On the deadline day ahead of the 2006/07 season,Real MadridswappedJulio BaptistaforArsenal‘sJose Antonio Reyes, who would play a key role in Los Blancos winning their 30th LaLiga Santander title.Baptistareturned toReal Madridthe following season, which was the finest in his career at Los Blancos.
Simeone – Vieri (1999)
Interreached a deal withLazioto signChristian Vieriin 1999 in exchange for around 40m euros andDiego Simeone, who joined the Rome-based side.
Quaresma – Deco (2004)
In 2004,Barcelonapaid 15 million euros to signDecofromPorto, withRicardo Quaresmadeparting the Catalan club to join the Portuguese team.
Gallas – Cole (2006)
A surprising swap took place in 2006 asWilliam Gallasmoved fromChelseatoArsenalandAshley Colemade the short reverse trip, with the Gunners also paying 7m euros to clinch the deal.
Alexis Sanchez – Mkhitaryan (2018)
Manchester UnitedsentHenrikh MkhitaryantoArsenal, withAlexis Sanchezjoining the Red Devils in 2018, but none of the two players lived up to the expectations at their respective new teams.
David Luiz – Matic (2011)
Arthur – Pjanic (2020)
Barcelonawere the central characters of the last big swap deal, as they offloadedArthur MelotoJuventus, who paid 12m euros extra and allowedMiralem Pjanicto join the Catalan club. Fast forward a year andBarcelonaare trying to find a way to sellPjanic, who barely featured last season.