In the summer transfer window, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid could make a player swap. Both clubs Barcelona and Atletico are willing to exchange striker Antoine Griezmann for midfielder Saul Niguez. Mundo Deportivo reports that both clubs have long been exploring such a possibility. Negotiations between the clubs on the matter are in their initial stages.
Saul, whose contract with Atletico runs until 2026, is seriously considering a change of club. His current contract includes a €150m cap, which complicates matters somewhat, but the Madrid club are prepared to consider any serious offer for the Spaniard.
Barcelona is looking to strengthen their midfield. The Catalans are now unable to register new players due to financial problems faced by the club. Therefore, the La Liga giants need to reduce the payroll of players and Griezmann has one of the highest salaries in the team.
Griezmann’s high salary could be a major barrier to a transfer, but Atletico believes Antoine is willing to take a pay cut for the sake of a return to Madrid. Ronald Koeman believes Griezmann should be let go if that could make room for Lionel Messi at Barca. Diego Simeone would be happy for the Frenchman to return to Atletico.
Griezmann’s entourage believes Atletico would be a good option for the striker if Barcelona let him know they want to end their partnership, which has not happened so far, and Simeone asks Antoine to return. Last summer, the Atletico coach was already in contact with the Frenchman for a possible return. The transfer of Griezmann to Atletico now looks more likely to happen.
Previously, the Frenchman played for Atletico Marid between 2014 to 2019. Last season, in La Liga, Griezmann played 36 games scoring 13 goals and making 7 assists. Saul has netted two goals and made one assist in 33 games in the Spanish league.
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