Antoine Griezmann left in limbo as Barcelona put deal ‘on ice’ – Marca

As per a report from Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona have pulled out of their proposed deal to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.

Atleti exit

On the back of 5 hugely-successful years on the books of the Rojiblancos, Griezmann announced his intention to depart the Wanda Metropolitano 2 weeks ago.

After Atletico released a surprise statement, revealing that their star man had informed the club’s board that he would seek pastures new this summer, Griezmann himself provided a full explanation for his decision in a parting video:

.@AntoGriezmann ha comunicado al club que no seguirá como rojiblanco la próxima temporada.

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 14, 2019

‘It’s been an incredible five years. Thank you very much for everything. I will take you in my heart.’

.@AntoGriezmann: “Han sido cinco años increíbles; muchas gracias por todo, os llevo en el corazón”. pic.twitter.com/9XorY05u1T

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) May 14, 2019

Barca bound?

As such, Griezmann’s announcement has since led to inevitable speculation surrounding where the World Cup winner is set to end up next.

Atleti’s La Liga rivals Barcelona have been the outfit most persistently-touted as a potential destination, with the Blaugrana having initially been rumoured to be ready to activate the attacker’s 125 million Euro release clause.

Barcelona are now ready to pay €125M release clause for Antoine Griezmann. Talks ongoing with the player about the contract (5 years). 🔵🔴 #Barça #Atleti #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 14, 2019

In addition, Barca boss Ernesto Valverde subsequently went on to confirm that talks had already begun between the Spanish champions and Atletico over Griezmann last week:

‘It is true we have already made contacts. It is true that contacts are ongoing, but the season isn’t over yet.’

‘We will see (what happens). He (Griezmann) is a great player. We’ve always said so.’

Griezmann in limbo

However, while developments towards a deal being completed had since been expected, mounting reports have suggested that Barcelona are having second thoughts regarding Atleti’s star man.

In fact, Griezmann himself is said to have been left fuming with the Blaugrana’s squad, amid claims that a number of players have spoken out against his signing.

And Marca have this afternoon provided further insight into the decision of the board at the Camp Nou to back out of the deal.

Griezmann’s signing is no longer viewed as ‘a priority’, with the Frenchman’s price-tag and hefty wages a major stumbling block.

In addition, Griezmann’s turning down of the Catalan giants last summer is cited as the reason for the unrest among the club’s squad regarding his potential arrival over the coming months, with his reputation with the Blaugrana faithful having also taken a hit.

As such, for these reasons, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu has put Griezmann’s signing ‘on ice’.

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