Pranav Kannan
Transfer News: Manchester United considering Antoine Griezmann swoop
According to @dermotmcorrigan of @TheAthleticUK via mufcmpb) [h/t Manchester Evening News], Manchester United are considering a swoop for struggling Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann in January.
Griezmann has been in the limelight for reasons other than football since the beginning of the season. The former Barcelona man has been struggling with playtime at the Wanda Metropolitano due to a clause in his contract.
The Frenchman has been brought on after the 60th minute in all but one of the games this season as Atletico Madrid look to avoid paying the obligatory fee to purchase Griezmann from Barcelona at the end of the current campaign.
The French World Cup winner joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Barcelona at the beginning of last season. However, his return to the club he became a superstar at has not really gone according to plan, with Griezmann unable to capture his best form.
Once placed third in the Ballon d’Or rankings behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Griezmann’s fall from grace has been rather sudden. Ever since his big-money move to Barcelona, the Frenchman has never been the same again.
To be fair to Griezmann, his game has changed and evolved over the years. No longer the pure goalscorer that he once was, the Frenchman has arguably adapted his game to carry out a playmaking role in the teams that he plays in.
The 31-year-old is the kind of player who can suit an Erik ten Hag system. Playing as a striker in a front three, Griezmann can drop deep and distribute play to runners like Rashford, Sancho or Antony in front of him.
His situation at Atletico Madrid is not favourable for him or the club and both parties will be looking to reach a compromise come January. There is a high chance that the loan deal could be terminated if another club makes an offer for him.
More Manchester United News
- Brandon Williams backs Manchester United captain Harry Maguire following criticism
- Harry Maguire left frustrated with David de Gea as the Manchester United captain finds himself on the bench
- Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United next summer
If Manchester United want to sign the player, it might not be so difficult after all and it remains to be seen how they go about the negotiation.
