Aheed Abrar
Antoine Griezmann deal ‘explored’ by Manchester United during Casemiro negotiations
Manchester United ‘explored’ a deal for Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann during the negotiations for Casemiro, according to the Metro.
While representatives from the Red Devils were finalising a move for the Brazil international from Real Madrid, they also made an approach for the French national in the summer of 2022.
At the time, the 31-year-old was on loan at Los Rojiblancos from Barcelona. However, there was uncertainty over the forward’s future in Diego Simeone’s team.
As per Atletico’s agreement with the Blaugrana, they were obligated to buy Griezmann for £40 million if he played a certain amount of minutes. As a result, Los Rojiblancos were reluctant to give him many minutes.
However, since then, the France international has completed the switch from Barcelona to the Madrid-based club. The 31-year-old has played a key role for Simeone this season.
During United’s enquiry, Griezmann was ‘flattered’ by the Red Devils’ interest. However, he was happy at Atletico and wanted to stay.
The 31-year-old shone at the 2022 World Cup for France. He played in a deeper role for Les Bleus. Didier Deschamps’ team made it to the final but lost to Argentina in the penalty shootout.
Casemiro has ended up being a major signing for us. The 30-year-old has established himself in the gaffer’s plans quickly, forming a brilliant partnership with Christina Eriksen in the engine room.
United’s forward line was bolstered by Antony in the previous transfer window. But with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure midway through the season, Wout Weghorst was brought on loan from Burnley this month to add support to the front line.
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Therefore, we will evidently need to add a quality forward to the squad next summer. However, it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford side will pursue Griezmann once again.
