It looks like Antoine Griezmann will remain at Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann has been linked with a move to Manchester United over the last few months, and everything suggested the club were prepared to break the world transfer record to sign the French forward.
However, reports emerged on Thursday afternoon from several sources claiming United had cooled their interest on Griezmann.
Priorities have changed https://t.co/TsgdAkqNjv
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) June 1, 2017
The club are said to have backed off triggering Griezmann’s £87m release clause because they want to sign a centre-forward, a number nine, rather than a number 10.
According to reports, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s injury, which will rule him out until next year, has forced United to re-evaluate their transfer plans for the summer.
Which is strange considering the Swedish striker will be 36 in October, and was hardly at Old Trafford for the long-term anyway.
He might not be leaving after all https://t.co/BVEI2cVzsN
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) June 1, 2017
Atletico’s transfer ban was also upheld on Thursday, meaning the Spanish club wouldn’t be prepared to lose their star player without securing a replacement.
Diego Simeone’s side won’t be able to sign players for two transfer windows. And the Atletico manager has a close relationship with Griezmann, so it’s possible the French forward would be less likely to push for a move.
Last week, Griezmann said the chances of him moving to United were “six out of 10”, but on Thursday night appeared to put an end to the transfer saga.
The 26-year-old tweeted a photo of him scoring for Atletico, with the caption: “Now, more than ever.”
Ahora más que nunca #Atleti #Todosjuntos 🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nfxcwInM2B
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) June 1, 2017
So that’s that, then.
United will go and sign a striker, and Griezmann will stay at Atletico for another year at least.
The whole transfer saga came to nothing, like this thread of tweets under Griezmann’s original tweet.
Nice bait pal, welcome to United!
— Jordan (@JordySloan) June 1, 2017
u do realize atletico have a transfer ban
— .exe (@Mwndy_) June 1, 2017
You do realize we can still pay his buy-out clause
— Chris (@iOSFifaTrading) June 1, 2017
You do realize that doesnt mean shit because he doesnt want to join United?
— Alessandro (@AlessandroFr22) June 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/UtdJoee/status/870355650890608642
You do realize i realize that
— Chris (@iOSFifaTrading) June 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/UtdJoee/status/870356096568971265
