Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United could Antoine Griezmann in January for a reduced price, according to reports in Spain, as picked up by The Mirror.
Atletico Madrid doubled his release clause to €200million in the summer to ensure that the forward stayed at the club. Now, latest reports say that the price has returned to its normal value which means Griezmann could be available at €100million.
The French international who is currently on international duty helping his national side in the World Cup qualifiers, came close to joining the Red Devils in this summer transfer window. Jose Mourinho made him his top attacking priority and the Red Devils aimed at making him their first summer signing.
Griezmann himself indicated that he could possibly move to United, on the eve of the Europa League final. However, the transfer ban on Atletico Madrid meant that the deal went out of the equation.
The Spanish club is unable to sign players because of the transfer ban and the forward too didn’t feel it was morally right to leave the club in such circumstances. As his former agent Eric Olhats said:
“Griezmann didn’t feel able to leave Atletico. He’s been integral to them and has shown his commitment to the club at a time when they couldn’t sign players.”
The forward signed a new deal immediately, which included the new release clause. Now with the clause coming back to its original value, Spanish press claim that United could trigger it in January.
Atletico’s ban also will be lifted in January, which means they would be able to sign players. They are interested in welcoming Chelsea striker Diego Costa back to the club with reports stating that Atletico are looking to close out discussions soon.
If Costa rejoins his old club, Griezmann would be free to make a move to Old Trafford. But the bigger question is if the player and the club would close the deal down.
After admitting defeat in their pursuit of Griezmann, United swiftly moved to sign Romelu Lukaku from Everton, who has since settled at Old Trafford nicely. Injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic too re-signed for the club and could be back in action before Christmas.
That would mean Mourinho being flush with options up front and may not look to go for the French striker. But, we can’t say no to Griezmann, can we?
