Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United has been simmering for some time, largely because there are several things which make the potential transfer pretty obvious.
Manchester United are one of the few clubs who could afford Griezmann, and it’s long been assumed he’s got something of a soft spot for the club. Then there’s his close friendship with Paul Pogba, and desire to play with the midfielder at club level one day.
In September, French newspaper L’Equipe reported it’s a matter of when and not if Griezmann joins a top club, with Manchester United one of the options claimed.
Given the story is being pushed again this week, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been pressed on it, and he’s quoted by AS as saying: “I don’t tie anyone down, I simply keep working to continue getting better for the sake of the club. He is in an extraordinary moment, He’s working well, has gotten back on the scoresheet and his form is good. It’s normal that the best teams in the world want him. I am not surprised that the teams who are looking are the ones who can afford him.”
Griezmann also has the star quality which would make Ed Woodward and Manchester United’s commercial department drool. With Memphis Depay seemingly off to Lyon, the number 7 shirt is becoming available.
It’s all lined up for a big summer swoop with Manchester United paying the player’s €100m release clause.
What could hold a summer move back is Atletico’s transfer ban, which still hasn’t been shortened, unlike at Real Madrid, and if Simeone stays beyond the current campaign, Griezmann may feel he owes his manager another season.
Grie7mann, anyone?
