Griezmann: Barca threaten €40m lawsuit against Atletico
Barcelona are preparing to file a lawsuit against Atletico Madrid to demand the immediate payment of €40 million for Antoine Griezmann, according to reports.
Tthere is a clause in the agreement made between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona over Griezmann’s loan, which states that, if the Frenchman plays at least 45 minutes in 14 of Atletico’s matches this season it would trigger a compulsory transfer.
Under said conditions, Atletico would need to pay Barca a €40 million premium to secure Griezmann’s services on a permanent basis.
The catch? Well, in typical Diego Simeone fashion, the Argentine boss has chosen to consistently sub Griezmann on after the 60th minute in each game.
So far this season, he’s entered proceedings in the 62nd, 62nd, 64th, 63th and 61st minutes of play – and therefore is currently not on course to meet the required conditions that would force a transfer.
It’s likely that they don’t just want the Griezmann money, but need it, in order to fulfill obligations to players within their squad and to run the club effectively.
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And according to SPORT, per Barca Universal, they believe Atletico have misinterpreted the contract and have already met the required conditions for Griezmann’s transfer without knowing it…
Barca’s interpretation of the clause: Griezmann needed to play for 45 minutes or more in over 50% of the matches during the first season of his loan as per the deal agreed. (Griezmann is now in the second season of his loan spell at Atletico and these conditions were met last campaign).
Atletico’s interpretation of the clause: The Mattresses, however, believe that the clause extends over the second season of loan and, therefore, by not meeting the conditions this campaign, are not obliged to pay the €40 million fee.
Barca have reportedly informed Atletico of their intentions to file a lawsuit on the matter, as they seek the immediate payment of €40 million for Griezmann.