Barcelona are reportedly planning to enter a swap operation with Manchester United that would see Antoine Griezmann and Victor Lindelof trade clubs this summer.
According to a report from Spanish publication El Gol Digital, Barcelona’s bid to offload Antoine Griezmann has seen them propose a shock swap deal with Manchester United involving Swedish centre-half Victor Lindelof.
Barcelona are in dire straits with regard to their finances and are desperately looking to offload some of their highest earners within the squad, with Griezmann being one of them. The 30-year-old Frenchman has been offered to multiple Premier League clubs so far this summer as the Catalans look to free up room on their wage bill to re-sign Lionel Messi on a new contract.
However, there have not been a whole lot of suitors for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner as of yet. There has been some degree of interest from Premier League champions Manchester City, and their local rivals Manchester United are also said to have been keeping a close watch on the situation.
And, it seems like Barcelona are planning to make the most of the interest that the Red Devils have in the 30-year-old, by proposing a swap arrangement that would see Griezmann move to Old Trafford, while Victor Lindelof switches to Camp Nou, with Manchester United having to pay a little extra cash as well.
Victor Lindelof has had a hit-and-miss career so far at Manchester United since joining in the summer of 2017. While he has been a regular fixture in the side, the Swede hasn’t always convinced onlookers of his abilities. And, with Manchester United now set to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, the 27-year-old could fall a step down the pecking order of things and Barcelona are looking to capitalise on the situation.
The Catalans are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements despite having signed Eric Garcia from Manchester City, as question marks loom large over the futures of both Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, who find themselves in a similar situation as compatriot Griezmann. And with Gerard Pique in the twilight of his career, another experienced defender would be a welcome addition, making Lindelof a viable target.
As for Manchester United, they could use a player who can play through the middle in the final third considering Anthony Martial has failed to live up to the expectations time and again and may have run out of chances. And, with Edinson Cavani well into his thirties, and Mason Greenwood still learning the ropes, someone like Griezmann could help Ole Gunnar Solskjaer & co. add more quality to their attack.
As per the report, there is a €30 million difference in the valuations of Griezmann and Lindelof, which Manchester United will have to stump up in order for the deal to go through. It is further claimed that it could be a major roadblock, considering that Lindelof is also attracting interest from AS Roma.
It is extremely unlikely that such a deal would see the light of the day, especially with Manchester United also looking to loan Axel Tuanzebe out while Eric Bailly is also considering his future at the club. Barcelona will have to find some other means to offload Griezmann.
A. Giezma must go
Barcelona must sale this players. Giezma, Dembele, Brithwhite,
Good deal for both teams. United clearly would win overall by getting a world-class player and getting rid of a mostly disappointing defender, but Barca would also win with reducing their wage bill and getting some defensive depth. Do it!
Why not??… United should accept this deal…
Good deal for both teams, man u needs a physical forward like Griezmann, it will truly paid off for them and for Barca I feel they don’t want to give up Griezmann because of his quality but it’s only because of the financial situation they face, they also need defensive depth which will benefit them too. So I feel it’s a good deal.
No we don’t need griezmann
Definitely not a good deal… United doesn’t need another highly expensive, highly controversial French player on their wage bill
Best for both teams, considering all factors surrounding them…Man utd stand a chance to gain more…this will mount a proper title challenge against the likes of city and the “never walk alones”….U ited can then boost of a killer squad with the likes of Maguire, Varane, Pogba, Bruno, Sancho, Cavani, Rashford, and finally Greizman…What a team!
Man U need to proceed the offer, after all will still have Baily, and co to continue.
Very good deal, except Barca want an extra $30.It should be a straight swap
The reason this deal will never go through (even though I want it so bad) is united cannot afford Griezmann’s astronomical wages (€ 881,423/week). United will never pay him that amount and he already confirmed he does not want a wage cut.
The wage is too much(€881,423/week) let them swap with coutiho
Not good for man u
Manchester United don’t need Antoine Griezmann. He’s a good player and great abilities but considering some important aspect like:
1)Age Factor:- Griezmann is 30 years and might not have the physicality of playing in the premier League despite his potentials.
2) Height:- United are used to having tall guys up front, which also serves as an advantage to the team attacking philosophy when it come to set pieces, e.g Ruud Van Nisterooy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford etc.
3) Financial Stability:- The team cannot because of a player (Griezmann), let him affect their financial budget, due to his huge salary and the player is not willing for a cut-off in salary.
4) United Defence Stability:- Victor Lindelof has grown deep in the heart of the United Defence, so letting him go at this peak of his career is definitely going to be a blow for United, because he’s a mature player who already understands the philosophy of EpL now and due to the stress of the Premier league and injuries coming up anytime, so United Should Keep him and Eric Bailey as Substitutes for Harrry M. and Raphael V.
5) Should United Get A New Striker:- If man UTD will be more busy in the transfer market to shop for a Striker, then players like Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial has to look look elsewhere for a first team playing chances then Manchester United can now look forward in bringing the likes of Erling Haaland or Harry Kane.
Be a good deal for united lindelof is garbage
Nonsense deal