Atletico Madrid has confirmed that they have agreed to sign French striker Antoine Griezmann on a long-term contract from Barcelona. Griezmann has been on loan at Atletico Madrid since August 2021, following a difficult spell at Camp Nou after his 120 million euro (116.5 million dollar) move in 2019.
“Griezmann has signed a contract that will keep him at our club until June 30, 2026,” Atletico declared on Monday. Last season, the 2018 World Cup winner was a key figure in coach Diego Simeone’s plans. But he has largely been reduced to substitute appearances this season as Atletico attempted to avoid paying a reported obligatory 40 million euro purchase fee if he played over a certain number of games.
With the World Cup approaching and Griezmann eager to play more, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona reached an agreement. Barcelona president Joan Laporta confirming the fee during the club’s members assembly on Sunday.
“It’s for 20 million euros plus four more in variables,” Laporta explained. The new contract’s value was not disclosed by Atletico. Griezmann has 303 appearances for the club, scoring 144 goals in his two stints in the capital.
He scored 35 goals in 102 appearances for Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2021. His greatest success in club football came at Atletico Madrid. Where he won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup in the same season.
Griezmann joined Barcelona for £108 million in 2019, making him the sixth-most expensive player in history. Before returning to Atletico on a two-year loan at the start of last season, he scored 35 goals in 102 games.
The 31-year-old has three goals and two assists in 11 games this season. Only three of those games have been starts. The reason Griezmann is only playing 30 minutes per game
According to Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague, Griezmann’s loan contract included a clause requiring. Atletico to buy the forward for 40 million euros if he played more than 45 minutes in more than 50% of their games.
In response, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has used. Griezmann as a substitute after 60 minutes in eight of his 11 appearances this season to avoid activating that clause.
Griezmann could make his first appearance for Atletico Madrid as a permanent member against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 2018 World Cup winner is the club’s fourth-highest scorer, with 144 goals in 304 appearances over two spells, having joined from Real Sociedad in 2014.
During his time at Wanda Metropolitano, he won the Europa League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Uefa Super Cup.
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