Sridhar Bhamidi
Remember the first signing that could have happened but hasn’t happened? Antoine Griezmann! He was supposed to be the first summer signing for Jose Mourinho after having everything in place, only for the transfer ban on Atletico Madrid scupper our plans.
It now looks like the transfer will take place as La Liga expert Guillem Balague claims that a deal for Griezmann will happen next summer, according to The Sun.
The French international was an open target for Jose Mourinho and even the player was angling for a move to Old Trafford. However, the transfer ban on Atletico ended hopes of any deal and Griezmann eventually signed an extension with Diego Simeone’s side.
United went ahead with their other targets and signed Romelu Lukaku to lead their front line and have also re-signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is making a faster recovery from his injury. However, the Red Devils still rate Griezmann highly and would be enticed with the prospect of signing him next year. Balague claims that the door is still open for the transfer and it could well happen in 2018.
The Spanish expert has claimed that the 26-year-old may have signed an extension with Atletico but he is already toying with the idea of moving to Old Trafford next summer.
“He is playing with the fans and he will continue to do that with teasing messages but it is quite clear he will consider a move to Old Trafford next summer”, he said.
If it happens, that would be a blockbuster move for us. The prospect of seeing Lukaku, Paul Pogba and Griezmann teeing up together would make the opposition defenders dread.
Pogba has already done his bit in the transfer of Lukaku by reportedly playing a positive role in enticing the striker to choose us ahead of Chelsea. He may do the same with his international teammate with whom he shares a positive equation on the field.
So, how viable is this transfer? One thing is for sure. If Atletico is ready to sell, United would be ready to go for the deal at whatever price they demand. It would depend on how much the player wants the move and if he can convince Atletico to sell him. Latest signs are positive though and we may see him join the club next summer.
