BARCELONA are reportedly planning to sell Antoine Griezmann to Atletico Madrid for £17.5million – just HALF of the odd transfer clause agreed between the two clubs.
The French attacker31, returned to Atletico for a second stint last season when he secured a two-year loan.
Within the finer details of the deal was a clause stating that Atletico should buy Griezmann permanent for £35m if he played 30 minutes or more in more than half of their matches.
And having played significantly more last season than last season, Atletico have tried to minimize his playing time so far this season to ensure they don’t have to pay the fee.
Griezmann has only started two out of ten games for Diego Simeone‘s side since the summer.
He has often been brought in just after the 60th minute in a clear insult to the clause in the contract.
According to Brandthe impasse has forced Barcelona to compromise.
That’s for Atletico to pay Barcelona half the £35 million fee to complete Griezmann’s transfer.
The World Cup winner scored 133 goals in 257 appearances during his first stint with Atletico.
He went on to hit the back of the net 35 times in 102 appearances for Barcelona, but ultimately failed to live up to his £107 million price tag.
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A subsequent return to the Spanish capital saw him score eight times last season.
And even though he only started once for the club in September, he is still won their Player of the Month award.
He contributed a goal and an assist in all competitions, including a last gasp Champions League winner over Porto.
Manchester United and Juventus were both said he was interested in Griezmannbut Atletico now seems finally ready to strike a deal.