Never should have left, really
In possibly the most surprising turn of events this deadline day, Antoine Griezmann appears to be on the verge of returning to Atlético Madrid from Barcelona.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that everything has been agreed and Atlético Madrid will sign their former striker on loan with a €40 million option to buy next summer.
Antoine Griezmann back to Atletico Madrid, HERE WE GO! Agreement now completed with Barcelona. Loan until June 2022 with buy option for €40m. ⚪️🔴 #Atleti #DeadlineDay
Griezmann has agreement for two years contract plus one option. He’s BACK at Atléti. Shocking move of the day. pic.twitter.com/kBQAkgQyLt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021
The rumours about Griezmann’s move to Barcelona two years ago had permeated every corner of the internet for over a year, with the player channeling his inner LeBron in 2018, releasing a video stating that he would be staying in Spain.
That pledge lasted all of one year until Barcelona triggered his release clause, though by that point it had become obvious to everyone except Barcelona that maybe they shouldn’t spend that much money on a player with no obvious place in their team.
Predictably, Griezmann struggled to replicate the form he enjoyed at Atlético while playing at the Camp Nou, and a return tot he Wanda Metropolitano would probably suit all parties now – especially considering Barça’s dire financial circumstances.
During his five seasons at Atlético Madrid, Griezmann never once scored fewer than 15 league goals, but the Frenchman has failed to register more than 13 in either of his full seasons at Barça.
Oh, and in the time since he left, Barcelona have been humiliated in the Champions League, losing 8-2 to Bayern Munich, lost their greatest ever player, and Atlético have won a league title.
It’s safe to say a move back to Atlético would please everyone involved.
