31 May 2024 , 06:58
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Antoine Griezmann could leave Atletico Madrid this summer for a bargain transfer fee due to a clause in his contract.
Griezmann rejoined Atleti in 2021 on a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy after two years at Barcelona, who shelled out £107million for his services. Atleti paid £34.7m last year to secure him on a permanent basis until June 2026 and the French forward has become a key player for Diego Simeone once again.
The 33-year-old contributed 24 goals and eight assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season and is now looking forward to playing at Euro 2024 with France. Speaking at a press conference with Les Bleus on Thursday, Griezmann stated his desire to play at the Olympic Games, but his summer could also be filled with transfer speculation.
That’s because L'Equipe reports that Griezmann has a €15m (£12.8m) release clause in his contract – a figure that is sure to attract interest from elsewhere. Griezmann, who still has two years left on his deal, has only ever played senior football in Spain – and has a huge affinity with Atleti, having scored 181 goals in 389 games for the club – but clubs in MLS, the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League are sure to test that relationship.
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Griezmann was asked about the possibility of a summer move in his pre-Euro 2024 press conference on Thursday. “Yes, there have been offers, but I repeat, I want to end up in Europe at Atletico Madrid,” he replied. “I'm happy there, I've worked enough to be there. I want to stay.”
Atleti finished fourth in La Liga and have therefore secured another year in the Champions League, which is a key factor in keeping stars like Griezmann. However, it won’t be long until the time comes for the forward to move elsewhere, with America the most likely destination.
"I know that the club is in favour of being able to make an effort and we will talk about it," Griezmann told AS in December, when asked about extending his contract with Atleti.
Antoine Griezmann spoke about his future at a press conference on Thursday (FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)"Beyond Europe, what I would like later is the MLS, I have always recognised that. But Atletico will be almost 100 per cent my last club in Europe. It's where I want to be, where I see myself happiest and here I am at home."
For now, the focus is on performing for France at the Euros, where Didier Deschamps’ side will be one of the favourites, having finished as runners-up at the World Cup in 2022. Griezmann is determined to go one better than in 2016, when France were beaten by Portugal in the final.
“It’s true that I really want to win this Euros,” he said. “The one from 2016 hurt me, but I have confidence in this group. In the locker room, everyone speaks. I have zero fear. It's normal that we talk about it but I have confidence in this group.”
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