On a busy deadline day, a lot of shock transfer news happened as expected. However, there was one news story that stole all the headlines.
In the biggest news of the day, Griezmann completed a season-long loan move to Atletico Madrid.
Early in the summer, FC Barcelona tried all within their power to create a balance in the team. With so many unwanted players and some on huge salaries, the Catalan giants tried to ease the pressure on their finances amid the massive debt suffocating the team.
One of the reasons they needed to shed some fat was to make allowance for the accommodation of Messi. At the point they needed to pull their chestnuts out of the fire, it felt like a camel passing through the eye of a needle. Players either refused to budge on leaving or to take a salary cut.
With the transfer window racing to its end, the piecesd falling in place as playersd agreeing to pay cuts, and some moved on. Amongst the players moved on are Griezmann, who has received abuse for both his performances on the pitch and his perceived role in the departure of Lionel Messi.
A return home for Griezmann and a failed swap deal
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of former fan favourite Antoine Griezmann on loan from Barcelona. As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman returned to his former stomping ground on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for €40m. The deal also sees both clubs holding an option to renew for another season.
FC Barcelona had for much of the summer tried to shift his salary off their wage bill.
La Blaugrana had also mooted thea of a swap deal that would see Joao Felix move in the oppositection, but thea was quickly rebuffed by Atletico, who preferred a loan to buy deal.
Frustrating time at Barca
It’s not been peaches and roses for Griezmann at the Nou Camp. The player did not quite settle down at the club, with his every performance scrutinized under the microscope.
Griezmann arrived in Barcelona in 2019 for a fee of €120 million. Without mincing words, the Frenchman has failed to live up to expectations. He received criticism at Barcelona for his performance and what he has delivered. The fans heckled him to his displeasure, but he stuck around, trying to prove his mettle.
The World Cup winner has scored 35 goals and made 17 assists in 102 appearances for Barca. Of the lot, he has made 74 La Liga appearances in which he scored 22 goals, a shabby total for a player who arrived with a lot of fanfare.
Meanwhile, Barcelona finished deadline day with the sale of right-back Emerson Royal to Tottenham. He moved to Spurs on a five-year deal for €25m.
The transfer window might be over but there’s still more to come. Stay updated with the latest transfer news on the go with Betpack.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
