The DRASTIC MEASURES Barça wants to take on the Griezmann case
The Blaugrana outfit will be taking things to the end with Atlético Madrid and Antoine Griezmann
The case of Antoine Griezmann has been one of the most curious of this season. Arguably one of Diego Simeone's most impactful players, he's been made to come off the bench after the 60th minute most matches because Atlético Madrid can't afford the consecuences of him playing more often. Now, however, it seems it has all been for nothing as Barcelona are thinking of drastic measures.
Antoine Griezmann has been Atletico Madrid's supersub
When Griezmann was loaned to Atlético as he found himself out of favour at Barcelona, the Blaugrana's included a clause by which should the Frenchman play more than the 50% of the minutes he was available to play, he would be subject to the activation of a 40 million euros purchase clause.
The Colchoneros can't (or don't want to) afford this deal, so as a consecuence of this, Diego Simeone has been forced to play Griezmann only after the 60th minute this season despite the French striker being one of his best players.
However, it could all have been for nothing. Barcelona are now threatening to take Atlético Madrid to the courts as they understand the clause has already been activated. Last season, Griezmann played some 81% of the minutes he was available, which the Blaugranas understand is sufficient to pull the trigger on the provision in his contract. Atlético reject this idea, as they understand that the contract applies over the two years of the loan agreement.
Asked on the matter, Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernández dodged the question: "It is a club issue, they have to talk to each other and there is no more", he commented, "There is no debate because it does not concern me, it is simply that he's an Atlético Madrid player". On the other hand, Simeone was laconic on the matter: "Many times, entering 30 minutes, you are more important than playing 60 badly".
Grizmann has enjoyed this season with Atlético
Antoine Griezmann has had a strong start to the season thus far despite the unrest around him and its consequences on his playing time. He has two goals in four league games and recently secured a Champions League victory for Atletico Madrid over Porto in the 101st minute. "It's not in my hands", explained the French international, "I only thank God for being here. My family is happy, it is clear that I would like to play more, but I have to do the maximum during the minutes that I am given".
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