The future of French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann is wildly up in the air this summer as the 30-year-old could reportedly depart Barcelona just two years after his big-money transfer.
The former Atletico Madrid ace wants to play for Barcelona’s fierce rivals Real Madrid, according to reports in Spain, for what would be a simply stunning move.
Unsurprisingly, Barca endured a difficult campaign last term, and off-field issues have disrupted Ronald Koeman’s 2021-22 season preparations.
The Catalan club desperately need to reduce their wage bill and are yet to confirm a new contract for club captain Lionel Messi.
The legendary forward is sensationally still a free agent after his contract expired at the end of June. But unlike last summer, the Argentine is not willing to leave the club and expects a new deal to be finalised.
But the future of his strike partner is subject of intense speculation after joining Barca for a whooping £105m.
Griezmann is one of the Barca players whose exit would drag down their expenditure, and he has now been linked with a shock move to Santiago Bernabeu.
As per Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Griezmann dreams of playing for Los Blancos and even regrets his decision to join Barca in 2019. Hence, he desires a phone call from Real president Florentino Perez.
Elsewhere, it has also been reported that the player is attracting interest from English outfit Manchester City as well.
Would a deal be worth it?
Barca’s famous big-money move two years ago has not quite had the desired effect and is on the edge of backfiring.
Griezmann scored an improved 13 goals last season, but Barca suffered their lowest league finish since 2008, as his Atleti ran away with the crown.
After guiding them to a third-place finish last term, under-pressure boss Ronald Koeman enjoyed just two wins in their final six games in a worrying collapse. Therefore, the Dutchman is trying to strengthen his squad for a much stronger title bid next term.
Although Griezmann’s rumoured move to Madrid is almost impossible due to the rivalry between the two clubs. A move would see the attacker join a small list of 30 players who have played for both clubs.
Meanwhile, an even smaller group of individuals have ever made act transfer between the age-long rivals. Javier Saviola was the last player to do so in 2007, adding to a roll call that includes Luis Figo, Ronaldo Nazario and Samuel Eto’o.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
