With the summer transfer window slam shut at the start of
this month, few speculations don’t seem to vanish. Many clubs also start
planning their master plan and shortlist the targets for January or next year or
even target the players which they missed out on. We all remember the transfer
saga of Atletico Madrid’s star man, Antoine Griezmann’s failed or rather to say
ditched move to Manchester United, don’t we? Here’s a short recap. The Frenchman
indirectly expressed his desire to join United last season, due to his love for
the club and more importantly his idol David Beckham. His brother, who happens
to be a massive Red Devils fan fuelled the fire by teasing the fans with a possibility
of his brother joining the club. Ed Woodward saw this as a great opportunity to
grab the Frenchman by paying his 86 million asking price, and get Mourinho a
world-class attacker and the fans an iconic number 7, a void left at the club by
Angel Di Maria and Memphis Depay. Following these events Griezmann himself sent
the fans into overdrive by saying in an interview that chance of him joining
United out of 100 is 60. After this we all know what happened. Griezmann stayed
at Atletico following their transfer ban, after which United signed Romelu
Lukaku.
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| Diego Costa Has Joined Atletico Madrid. |
With latest news coming up that Atletico Madrid have agreed
a deal with Chelsea for want-away striker Diego Costa, which will see him
return to Madrid in January when their transfer ban gets expired. A deal of 55
million plus bonuses have been agreed by the clubs. There is clearly no place
for him due to the arrival of Alvaro Morata from cross town rivals, Real Madrid. Costa,
who has faced many disciplinary actions in the Premier League due to many
racial abuses, fouls and fights with players and referee’s. Atletico, stated
that they may just let go of Griezmann if they complete the signing of their long-term
target, Costa. United still haven’t given up hope in signing Antoine and have reportedly
kept special funds aside for him. They are wanting to make a move for him next
summer. But with Madrid secured Costa, United could finally make a move for him
without ease.
Some fans also expressed their views by saying that United
should make a move Griezmann as early as January. But with the Champion’s
League play-offs in February, Atletico will be reluctant to sell their star
man, who has carried the team for many years. Mourinho still wants a marquee
signing more importantly a winger to strengthen the attack, and have Griezmann and
Bale in their list. Griezmann is a younger and better choice than Bale, who is
struggling to find form and fitness at Real following the dominance of Marco
Asensio and Isco. Griezmann who can play anywhere in the frontline or even as
an attacking midfielder would improve United, pairing him with Lukaku and with
stars like Rashford, Mata, Martial and Mkhitarayan, would make the Red Devils
an unstoppable attacking force in Europe, also the fact that he is a potential
Balon d’or contender.
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| Griezmann Would Be A Commercial Jackpot For Ed Woodward As He Will Wear The Number 7 |
United CEO, Ed Woodward would make the most out Griezmann as
he is apparently his commercial fantasy, due to his huge sponsorship deals and
endorsements. It is obvious that Antoine will be handed the number 7 shirt if
he joins. Given the history of the shirt, it won’t be long until United recoup
that 86 million paid for him, by shirt sales and making him the club's poster
boy along with Pogba. So, it is a win-win situation for both the manager as he
will add quality to a star-studded squad, and also a financial jackpot for the
club, also the number 7 kit will have a new owner. We don’t want burst that
happiness bubble, but according to Spain news outlet, El Confidencial have
reported that Atletico want to partner Costa with Griezmann and will not sell
him in January or even next summer for that matter. That could be a major blow
for United, but given the players admiration for United and his release clause
still intact, United will have the upper hand in the deal, with the club
willing to pay the Frenchman as much as Paul Pogba, along with handing him the
iconic number 7 shirt worn by his idol, Beckham. There could also be a sense of
insecurity in the players mind, following Costa’s arrival, which will tempt him
to leave even more. But given recent events, Griezmann is reportedly happy with
the fact that he will play alongside Diego and has welcomed him on social
media. But, we know today’s loyalty, Griezmann could just move away should
Costa become a threat.
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| Would Griezmann Consider Leaving Atletico? |
To conclude, Diego Costa to Atletico would be a very good
opportunity for Manchester United to sign their long-term target Antoine
Griezmann and boost their chances of getting him next summer. A move in January
would be unlikely due to Champion’s League, but anything is possible. Who knowns,
United could try a move in winter and tempt Atletico with an offer they can’t
refuse and the player a solid pay package which could lead to him forcing a
move away, should he become threat. Barcelona and Real Madrid are also
monitoring him, but as they are rival clubs, United get an advantage. However,
realistically a move would be likely and sensible only next summer, also the fact
that United are in the Champion’s League and should they qualify for the
knockouts and Griezmann arrives in January it will be difficult for him to
settle in the Premier League and the cub during a crucial time.
What do you
think? Will Griezmann join United following Costa’s arrival and when?
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