Bartomeu puts Griezmann's signing on ice

Not a priority for Barcelona

Posted Thursday, May 30, 2019 by Marca.com

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has no intention to signing Antoine Griezmann for the moment at least as he is aware of the complexity and risks of such a transfer.

The Frenchman recently announced his decision to depart Atletico Madrid, with his release clause dropping on July 1 from 200 million euros to 120m euros.

The Blaugrana intended to sign the forward last season, but he decided to stay at Los Rojiblancos for another year.

Griezmann is not a priority for the Catalan side any more, with Bartomeu having several doubts about signing the player. His price tag is regarded as a huge obstacle.

Moreover, in the event that the France international lands at the Camp Nou, the club will have to cover his salary which is expected to be around 17m euros per season.

Meanwhile, the way in which the World Cup winner rejected Barcelona last season didn't go down well with the Blaugrana's dressing room as the players were delighted with the prospect of signing him last summer.

Bartomeu is aware that important members of the squad are no longer fond of Griezmann and it would be hard for the fans to forgive the decision the player made last June.

The Barcelona president understands that the board will have work hard to boost the 27-year-old's image, should they want to sign him this summer, and his move has been put on ice for now.