Atletico Madrid News
The actual numbers behind Atletico Madrid’s permanent signing of Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann is officially an Atletico Madrid player after the two clubs officiated an agreement. The player has subsequently signed a four-year contract that expires in the summer of 2026.
The permanent move should lift the 50% restriction on Griezmann’s contract, effectively allowing Diego Simeone to utilise his qualities to the max.
A recent report from El Partidazo de Cope (h/t Mundo Deportivo) has offered additional details on Griezmann’s sale to Atletico Madrid. Although the report suggests Barcelona are set to earn €20 million, as confirmed by Joan Laporta, there are certain intricacies embedded in the contract.
For one, Barcelona are expected to receive an upfront fee of around €18 million, rather than the stipulated €20 million. The additional €2 million will be received by Barça only when Atletico Madrid confirm their spot for next season’s Champions League.
This brings the total amount to €20 million. But there are also €4 million add-ons, half of which could be payable if Atletico Madrid reach the quarter-finals. If Los Colchoneros stumble in the Round of 16, Barcelona may only receive €1 million.
As for the remaining €2 million, it will be only applicable if Atletico Madrid end up winning an official title. It could be a far-fetched clause, especially given the way the club have performed over the last year.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman’s quality in the attacking line could go a long way in improving the club’s chances of performing well, not only in Europe but also in domestic competitions.
Furthermore, the report also claims that Barcelona have retained the future sales right on Griezmann, with Atletico Madrid liable to pay the Catalans any surplus amount over €18 million up to €40 million if they sell him in the future.
The club from the capital have endured a mixed start to the campaign and are currently sitting fourth in the league table, behind Athletic Club, Barcelona and Real Madrid. But with Griezmann joining permanently, there is hope yet for Simeone’s men, in their quest to compete for the league title.
Atletico Madrid News
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea contact PSG midfielder’s agent with player set to leave
Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are among the clubs that have made contact with the agent of PSG midfielder Leandro Paredes, who is set to leave this summer.
This claim comes from journalist Martin Arevalo on ESPN, who states that apart from Atletico and Chelsea, an unnamed third club have also established contact with the Argentine international’s representative.
Paredes has been on PSG’s books since January 2019, when he arrived from Zenit St. Petersburg. For a large part of his time at the French capital outfit, the midfielder had been a regular starter in the side.
However, last summer saw Paredes get shipped out on loan to Juventus. He has played 33 times for the Bianconeri this season with a return of one goal and assist apiece.
The Serie A heavyweights, who were recently hit with a 10-point deduction, have the option to purchase him permanently. But, as per the report, his relationship with manager Massimiliano Allegri is not good and a return to PSG is on the cards.
And considering that he is not in the plans back at Parc des Princes either, a permanent departure away seems set in stone for Paredes.
As such, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, and an unnamed club have shown interest in acquiring his services by making contact with the 28-year-old World Cup winner’s agent.
With Koke entering the final phase of his career and Geoffrey Kondogbia expected to leave at the end of the season, the Rojiblancos could do with reinforcements in the centre of the park.
Paredes, who has plenty of experience at the highest level and is known for his aggressive mentality, can be a good fit into Diego Simeone’s setup at the Civitas Metropolitano.
But, with Chelsea also in the picture, things could get tricky for the Colchoneros. After all, Atleti are operating on tight finances and are looking for bargain and free transfer signings in the market with the likes of Marcus Thuram, Jordi Alba, and Raphael Guerreiro emerging as targets.
