Manchester United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann and would like to take advantage of his staggeringly low €25 million release clause.
According to Fichajes, Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann has an active release clause of just €25 million this summer, which “has unleashed madness” amongst several European giants, including Manchester United, who are looking to pounce upon the opportunity to prise him away from the Spanish capital.
Griezmann re-joined Atletico Madrid last summer after a difficult spell with Barcelona, who only received half of the £34 million they initially wanted from their La Liga rivals.
Despite facing criticism for his time at Barcelona, the Frenchman has had a revival like no other at Atletico Madrid, proving to his doubters that he still belongs to the elite class of footballers.
He has regained his best form in the 2022/23 campaign, netting 16 goals and providing 19 assists across all competitions. He has arguably been La Liga’s Player of the Season, a remarkable feat for a player who some believe should be considering retirement.
He has also won back the hearts of Atletico fans, continues to showcase his exceptional skills, and remains in peak physical condition. Not to mention, he enjoyed a terrific World Cup with France as Didier Deschamps’s side lost the final to Argentina. He was incredibly influential for his country, playing a deeper role than usual.
However, in possibly unsettling news for Atleti supporters, Griezmann’s intriguing release clause in his current contract has been brought to light, with French outlet L’Equipe reporting the release clause in his Atletico contract is just €25 million.
Following the disclosure of this information, top European clubs have expressed their desire to activate the clause and secure his services, including the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Milan.
Manchester United, for one, have long admired Griezmann. Back in the winter transfer window, the Red Devils were working with a small budget to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, and there were some strong rumours linking the Frenchman with a move to Old Trafford after his fantastic World Cup, with reports claiming that manager Erik ten Hag likes the player and his versatility.
Like January, Erik ten Hag finds himself in a difficult spot. Usually, the Dutchman wants to get the transfer business done early. But the stalled takeover deal has generated huge frustration at Old Trafford, with the amount of finances necessary to sign the calibre of players desired by Ten Hag simply unavailable.
Manchester United are in dire need of a consistent goal-getter not named Marcus Rashford ahead of next season. Griezmann fits Ten Hag’s playing style perfectly and would not be an expensive transfer either. Having said that, there are other reports in Spain suggesting Griezmann has no plans to leave Atletico Madrid any time soon, which will be music to the ears of the Rojiblancos.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester United or any other club will trigger Griezmann’s release clause. But there is no doubt that he would be a valuable addition to any team lucky enough to secure his signature.
