Barcelona’s financial situation has gone from bad to worse as the club could now lose out on registering Lionel Messi for the next season. The Catalan giants need to offload several of their high-earners or ask them to take pay-cuts if they are to register their new signings.
Antoine Griezmann was one of the untouchable among the Barca ranks at the start of the summer window, but the recent developments have forced the Blaugrana to alter their transfer stance to the Frenchman.
As it stands, Barca are looking to offload the 30-year-old who is the highest earner in the team. The striker has been linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid as reigning La Liga champions are also said to be open to the idea of welcoming back their former player.
The two sides are said to be working out on a swap deal between Griezmann and Saul Niguez.
However, in recent developments, the deal has hit a dead-end as Barcelona want Joao Felix to be a part of the deal.
Though the talks have cooled off, Atleti boss Diego Simeone is said to be ‘pressing’ the La Liga champions to complete the Griezmann deal. The world cup winner’s impressive performances under Simeone is what prompted Barcelona to make a record-breaking €120 million bid for him.
Griezmann’s arrival at Atletico could provide the Argentine with the firepower that is needed to defend his side’s La Liga title. Antionie has not yet reported to Camp Nou for the pre-season training and is only said to do so on July 20. It is likely that an answer about his future would be out before then.
Griezmann, however, is not expected to report on July 20 until he receives an update on his future. Barcelona would free up a massive part of their wage bill if they manage to offload him.
