Report: Atletico's Griezmann keen on United move after contract talks
Manchester United could have a new No. 7 on its books next season.
The Red Devils have an agreement in principle to nab Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, according to The Telegraph’s James Ducker, with discussions already conducted on a £15-million-a-year contract and the striker indicating enthusiasm over a move to England.
Although Atletico manager Diego Simeone said he wouldn’t stand in Griezmann’s way if he wanted to leave, club president Enrique Cerezo has vowed to fight to retain the services of the France international.
If United was to trigger Griezmann’s reported £85-million (€100-million) release clause, however, the Atletico brass would be powerless to prevent the departure of its star striker, who’s a close friend of United midfielder Paul Pogba.
Not only will linking up with Pogba and the prospect of wearing a shirt number previously donned by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham appeal to Griezmann, he may be encouraged to move due to how things are going in the Spanish capital.
Simeone could leave Los Colchoneros next summer after making the peculiar decision to shorten his deal by two years in September, and Griezmann has previously stated: “I would only leave if Simeone was to go.”
On-pitch matters may also encourage the 25-year-old’s exit. Griezmann continues to be a ruthless finisher and display sublime vision – crafting eight goals and four assists in 19 La Liga appearances – but, despite being supplemented by Kevin Gameiro and Nico Gaitan in attack this season, Atleti is 10 points adrift of La Liga topper Real Madrid.
A 2-1 semi-final first-leg home defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday also has its Copa del Rey hunt at risk, while Bayer Leverkusen’s exciting wide-play – featuring Hakan Calhanoglu, Julian Brandt, and new boy Leon Bailey – poses a tougher challenge in the Champions League Round of 16 than many pundits are anticipating.
And, despite Cerezo’s sentiments suggesting otherwise, the club’s boardroom may sanction a transfer under Griezmann’s minimum fee release clause to free up funds after the expensive move to the Wanda Metropolitano, a 67,000-capacity stadium, set for the summer.
Griezmann joined Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad in 2014, and is contracted until 2021.
