Earlier today reports in France claimed that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were close to reaching an agreement for the transfer fee of Antoine Griezmann.
The 31-year-old’s loan move from Barça to Atleti came with a permanent purchase clause of €40 million. The Rojiblancos have been unwilling to pay that and, as a result, are regulating the forward’s game-time to avoid triggering the mandatory buy clause.
Meanwhile, Barcelona were planning to file a lawsuit against their La Liga rivals claiming that the conditions for the permanent purchase had already been met after Griezmann’s first season on loan at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, it seemed like the two clubs had decided to come to a settlement, with L’Equipe reporting that Barcelona and Atletico were close to reaching an agreement over a €25 million fee for the World Cup winner instead of €40 million.
Such a deal would have lifted the restrictions on Griezmann’s game-time as Atletico would then utilise him for more than 30 minutes as they have been doing so far this term.
However, Mundo Deportivo is now reporting that Barcelona have been left puzzled and surprised by the claims made by the French publication.
The Catalans remain firm on their demands of a €40 million fee for Griezmann and also believe that all conditions have been met for the permanent transfer during the 2021/22 campaign.
Barça believe that it is irrelevant as to how many minutes Griezmann plays this season as he featured for 45 minutes or more in 80% of the matches last season, thus activating the permanent purchase clause.
The second loan season is just a mere extension and the game-time does not count towards the calculation for the permanent transfer, as per Barcelona’s interpretation of the agreement.
So, as things stand, the possibility of the Catalans filing a lawsuit remains intact as they seek the full €40 million payment from Atletico.
