Every summer transfer season, there are a plethora of rumours, including those involving Barcelona. Where these rumours are ignored by many and most people question their authenticity, certain gather momentum over time and surprise many.
This summer Antoine Griezmann has emerged in the transfer mill and might make a return in Atletico Madrid.
The Les Bleus forward just finished a season with Barcelona in which he scored 31 goals in all competitions, including a goal in the Copa Del Rey Final in 2021.
If the deal is finalised between Barca and Atletico, Griezmann would return to the latter club after moving to Barca in a €120 million deal two years ago.
Initially, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are discussing a swap deal in which Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez would transfer clubs. However now, according to media reports, Barca prefers sending Griezmann back to Atletico Madrid in exchange for rising star Joao Felix instead of Saul.
The move comes as Barca looks to reduce pay by 40% in order to sign Lionel Messi. One of Barca's alternatives in this difficult task is to find a suitor for Griezmann, the club's highest-paid player at the present.
Also Read: Lionel Messi becomes a free agent, Superstar's Barcelona ‘La Liga club’ contract expires
However, the media outlets, Sport and Mundo Deportivo report the deal to be a tricky one as Felix earns more than Saul. Bringing in him in place of Griezmann won’t help reduce the club’s wage bill as much as they’d probably like.
Besides, it's tough to understand how Felix would fit into the Barca team. Ronald Koeman already has a plethora of offensive alternatives, therefore he won't be assured a spot.
Moreover, Barca has considered a number of players for the swap, including Felix. As rumours regarding Griezmann's return to Atletico continue, defenders Mario Hermoso and Renan Lodi have been named.