The France international has sealed a surprise homecoming to the Wanda Metro Politano 2 years on from an acrimonious exit.
Antoine has made a shock return to Atletico Madrid after the Rojiblancos completed a season-long loan move for the FC Barcelona forward with a mandatory €40 million (£34m/$47m) option to buy.
The France international has sealed a surprise homecoming to the Wanda Metropolitano two years on from an acrimonious exit in one of the final twists to a dramatic summer transfer news window.
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The World Cup 2018 winner now heads back to the capital where he forged his reputation as one of the game’s strongest talents.
About this france international sealed
In a club release confirming Griezmann’s departure, FC Barca confirmed that Atletico would be obligated to purchase the France international.
“FCB and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of Antoine for a season with the option of a further season,” the statement said.
“The Madrid club will pay the player’s wages and there is a compulsory permanent transfer clause.
“FC Barcelona would like to thank Antoine Griezmann for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future.”
🚨 𝙇𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙎𝙏 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 !!
Agreement between Barça and Atlético Madrid for the loan of @AntoGriezmann— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2021
Forward makes unlikely comeback france international sealed
In a summer market that has already seen several of the game greatest players swap clubs. A reunion with La Liga’s reigning champions for old star Antoine Griezmann still felt like a distant pipe dream.
But now the 30+ years old Ballon d’Or nominee during his previous 5-year spell with Diego Simeone’s side – is set to wear their distinctive red and white strip once more.
An exit from FC Barca is perhaps less than a surprise, given Blaugrana’s noted financial issues of this field. A problem that has seen the club attempt to cut costs.
Likewise, Antoine Griezmann’s yield of 35+ goals in 105+ games for the club has seen him struggle to emerge from the shadow of Lionel Messi, though he did make a scoring start in last term’s Copa del Rey Final victory.
Now, he will hope that to recapture his golden form with the Rojiblancos as they set about defending their crown this term.
FC Barca’s summer of departures
FC Barcelona’s difficult financial situation led to a number of big names leaving the club over the summer – none bigger, of course, than Lionel Messi, who joined PSG on a free transfer.
The club also sold Junior Firpo to Leeds Unt. before seeing Ilaix Moriba join RB Leipzig and Emerson Royal move to Tottenham on deadline days.
Antoine Griezmann’s departure capped a difficult spell for the Blaugrana, who have been crippled by financial mismanagement.