Barcelona’s acquisition of Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most talked-about transfer deals in recent years. The Spanish giants spared no expense to bring the French forward to Camp Nou, shelling out a staggering amount to secure his services.
The Transfer Saga
Griezmann’s transfer saga began in the summer of 2019 when he announced his departure from Atletico Madrid. With Barcelona keen on bolstering their attacking options, they swiftly identified him as a prime Target.
After months of speculation and negotiations, the Blaugrana finally got their man. On July 12, 2019, Barcelona officially confirmed the signing of Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The Transfer Fee
The transfer fee paid by Barcelona for Griezmann was reported to be a whopping €120 million. This made him one of the most expensive signings in football history.
The Release Clause Controversy
Griezmann’s release clause played a significant role in determining his transfer fee. Atletico Madrid argued that Barcelona had violated the release clause by negotiating with Griezmann before it dropped from €200 million to €120 million on July 1, 2019.
Atletico claimed that they were entitled to receive the full €200 million as per the terms agreed upon in Griezmann’s contract. However, Barcelona maintained that they had entered into negotiations with Griezmann only after his release clause had reduced to €120 million.
- Bold Text: The transfer fee paid by Barcelona for Griezmann was reported to be a whopping €120 million.
- Underlined Text: Atletico Madrid argued that Barcelona had violated the release clause by negotiating with Griezmann before it dropped from €200 million to €120 million on July 1, 2019.
Griezmann’s Contract
Upon joining Barcelona, Griezmann signed a five-year contract, which would keep him at the club until June 30, 2024. The French forward was expected to be an integral part of Barcelona’s attacking trident alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Impact at Barcelona
Griezmann’s first season at Barcelona was a mixed bag. While he showcased glimpses of his immense talent, he struggled to consistently make a significant impact. The team’s performance also fell short of expectations, leading to managerial changes and an overall turbulent season for the club.
However, Griezmann has shown signs of improvement in his second season, forming a promising partnership with Messi and contributing crucial goals and assists.
In Conclusion
The amount Barcelona paid for Griezmann, €120 million, highlighted their determination to secure his signature. Despite the controversy surrounding the release clause and initial struggles at the club, Griezmann has the potential to become a key player for Barcelona in the coming seasons.