Griezmann’s Transfer Clause Puts Atlético in a Tight Spot

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Antoine Griezmann has become a real headache for Atlético Madrid. The transfer deal moving the French forward from Barcelona to the rojiblanco side includes a condition: if Griezmann plays 45 minutes in at least half of the matches he is available for, Atlético must pay Barcelona 40 million euros to trigger a buyout at season’s end. If that clause is activated, he would extend his stay for another year at roughly 20 million euros gross per season. In short, an 80 million euro maneuver that strains Atlético’s payroll and risks limiting the club’s ability to balance income and expenses.

In the first two league matches, Griezmann entered as a substitute in the second half. He came on in the 62nd minute against Getafe and Villarreal in both fixtures, failing to reach the required 45 minutes. The decision surrounding his minutes is driven by contract terms rather than sporting concerns. Simeone remains optimistic about the market, signaling to the board that if one player leaves, another should come in to maintain squad depth.

– Atlético Madrid (@Aleti) 20 August 2022

Conversing with Barça

Atlético is weighing several routes to resolve the situation. The first option is direct negotiation with Barcelona to reduce the transfer price, the second is to find a buyer before the transfer window closes, and the third is to renegotiate Griezmann’s salary, a step already taken last season. If none of these paths comes to fruition, the club could offer a midterm contract to delay the 40 million euro payment for a few more seasons.

The Cholismo predicament

At present, Atlético is pursuing a plan that seems unlikely to endure the entire season. Griezmann currently occupies a key role for France, where the World Cup campaign looms. While head coach Didier Deschamps has secured his place, the pace and intensity of club football complicate preparations. Simeone worries about the emotional toll on the player, who admits fatigue, while the club presses to reduce his salary further and to manage the buyout and contract over the upcoming years. Barcelona is monitoring the situation closely, mindful that tensions could spill over. Griezmann’s current deal runs through the 2023-24 season, and the question remains whether his future lies with Atlético or with Barcelona.

Antoine Griezmann has become a real headache for Atlético Madrid. The transfer deal moving the French forward from Barcelona to the rojiblanco side includes a condition: if Griezmann plays 45 minutes in at least half of the matches he is available for, Atlético must pay Barcelona 40 million euros to trigger a buyout at season’s end. If that clause is activated, he would extend his stay for another year at roughly 20 million euros gross per season. In short, an 80 million euro maneuver that strains Atlético’s payroll and risks limiting the club’s ability to balance income and expenses.

In the first two league matches, Griezmann entered as a substitute in the second half. He came on in the 62nd minute against Getafe and Villarreal in both fixtures, failing to reach the required 45 minutes. The decision surrounding his minutes is driven by contract terms rather than sporting concerns. Simeone remains optimistic about the market, signaling to the board that if one player leaves, another should come in to maintain squad depth.

– Atlético Madrid (@Aleti) 20 August 2022

Conversing with Barça

Atlético is weighing several routes to resolve the situation. The first option is direct negotiation with Barcelona to reduce the transfer price, the second is to find a buyer before the transfer window closes, and the third is to renegotiate Griezmann’s salary, a step already taken last season. If none of these paths comes to fruition, the club could offer a midterm contract to delay the 40 million euro payment for a few more seasons.

The Cholismo predicament

At present, Atlético is pursuing a plan that seems unlikely to endure the entire season. Griezmann currently occupies a key role for France, where the World Cup campaign looms. While head coach Didier Deschamps has secured his place, the pace and intensity of club football complicate preparations. Simeone worries about the emotional toll on the player, who admits fatigue, while the club presses to reduce his salary further and to manage the buyout and contract over the upcoming years. Barcelona is monitoring the situation closely, mindful that tensions could spill over. Griezmann’s current deal runs through the 2023-24 season, and the question remains whether his future lies with Atlético or with Barcelona.

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