KEY POINTS

  • Antoine Griezmann returned to Atletico Madrid on loan, but the club has the option to buy
  • Griezmann reportedly took a huge wage cut to move back to Wanda Metropolitano
  • Barca loaning out Griezmann was part of the club’s efforts to cut down its wage costs

Despite the exit of Lionel Messi, which potentially could have given him better chances at playing, Antoine Griezmann ended up choosing to rejoin Atletico Madrid on loan in the summer transfer window.

It was an odd move for the 30-year-old forward, who reportedly took a huge wage cut to return to Wanda Metropolitano. He is set to receive a salary that is 40% less than what he would have made with FC Barcelona, Goal reported.

Griezmann spent five years with Atletico Madrid before joining Blaugrana in 2019.

The season-long loan deal was sanctioned by Barca, with Colchoneros not spending a dime, according to the outlet. Further, the loan deal includes an option to buy, meaning Griezmann could stay at Atletico Madrid after the coming season.

While Atletico did not pay any fee for the loan, the club can extend the current contract by a year if Barcelona signs off on it next summer. This will, however, require further payments, the report added.

Barcelona continues to trim down its wage bill, with Griezmann being just one of several first-team players to leave Camp Nou in the summer. The French national had to make a big sacrifice for the deal to push through.

Atletico Madrid can also make the move permanent if it agrees to pay the £34 million ($47 million) fee, plus add-ons. However, this is only if Griezmann plays 50% of their matches in the 2022-23 season.

If Griezmann fails to satisfy that clause, Atletico won’t owe Barca anything. However, this scenario would likely only happen if the French forward suffers a serious injury.

Griezmann was considered one of the best strikers in Europe and appeared to be a gem of an addition to Barca two years ago. However, things just did not work out as expected, with the 30-year-old failing to fit in.

Griezmann was unable to play his natural position with Messi around. He managed only 35 goals in 102 appearances.

Messi has since moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in August, Sky Sports reported. It would have been an opportunity for Griezmann, but the next problem was the wage bill of Blaugrana.

Griezmann is currently on duty with the French national team but may report to Atletico Madrid on Sunday when the club faces RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.

Griezmann has rejoined Atletico on a one-year loan deal with an option to extend by another year
Griezmann has rejoined Atletico on a one-year loan deal with an option to extend by another year AFP / LLUIS GENE
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