Need Money, Laporta Makes Sure Barcelona Sell Griezmann

DBasia.news – Antoine Griezmann is still a Barcelona player. However, Blaugrana president Joan Laporta did not rule out Griezmann being sold this summer.

The 30-year-old player has been with Barcelona since 2019 after being transferred from Atletico Madrid for 120 million euros (buy clause). Two years at Barcelona Griezmann’s performance was far from satisfactory.

Now the 2018 World Cup winner is on the list of selling players as part of the barter, reportedly with Saul Niguez at Atletico Madrid, or Paulo Dybala at Juventus. Manchester City are also reportedly interested in him.

Responding to the transfer rumors, Laporta did not deny the possibility of Griezmann being sold even though his contract was still remaining until 2024. Laporta respected Griezmann, but also with the FFP rules and the club’s financial condition in the midst of the corona virus pandemic.

“Griezmann is a Barca player, he has a contract with the club until 2024 and, unless things change, we count on him,” Laporta said.

“There has been some movement in the transfer market and we cannot deny that there is interest in him. That’s a sign of quality.”

“This is a niche market and you have to use your imagination, maybe think in terms of a swap deal, but we really appreciate Antoine. The club made a huge investment in him and we are delighted with him.”

“It’s not easy for a club to come up with offers of players at his level. But the transfer window has just started and there is a market for Griezmann.”

“If things start to move we are open to all proposals because we are in a difficult moment financially and we have to balance the books to comply with financial fair play rules.”