3 biggest losers from Griezmann's transfer to Barcelona

One of the most protracted and controversial transfer sagas in recent history has finally been completed, as Barcelona have triggered Antoine Griezmann's release clause valued at €120m.

The move was a deal two years in the making, as Barcelona have been long-term admirers of the 28-year-old and humiliatingly had their bid for him turned down last summer with Griezmann calling Atletico his home prior to signing a new five-year contract extension.

However less than 10 months later, the World Cup winner made a dramatic U-turn and pushed for a messy divorce from the Colchoneros which is bound to get messier in the coming months.

This mega move is bound to have major repercussions for multiple parties and in this piece, we shall be highlighting the three biggest losers from Griezmann's transfer to Barcelona.

#3 Atletico Madrid

Ever since their magical campaign in 2014 where they won the La Liga and made it to the final of the Champions League, Atletico Madrid have firmly established themselves in the upper echelons of European football.

The capital club have tried their best to go toe-to-toe with the best both domestically and on the continent and Diego Someone deserves immense praise for the club's transformation.

Much of their progress in the last five years has been possible due to the contributions of Antoine Griezmann, as the French international proved to be an optimum performer from the moment he arrived Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014.

In each of his five seasons with the club, the 2018 World Cup Silver Ball winner scored at least 20 goals or more, taking the goalscoring mantle in the continued faltering of specialized center forwards from Jackson Martinez to Diego Costa.

With his departure, Atletico have lost the one proven goalscorer within their ranks and while they have invested heavily in the recruitment of Portuguese teenage sensation Joao Felix.

The 19-year-old is very much a gamble, as with just one full season of professional football under his belt, he has not proved his mettle long enough while his step up from the Portuguese league and Benfica to La Liga with Atletico might prove a barrier too high for him to climb.

Elsewhere, there are not enough goal threats, as Alvaro Morata who was just signed a permanent deal has not done anything across his spells with Juventus, Real Madrid and Chelsea to suggest that he can be trusted to lead the line at a major club, while Diego Costa has not performed at an optimum since his fallout with Antonio Conte.

For a side which has notoriously found goals hard to come by, things could get harder in the opposition box for Diego Simeone, more so with their overwhelming squad overhaul and their chances of reclaiming the top honors in Spain and Europe could be seriously hampered by Griezmann's departure.

#2 Philippe Coutinho/Ousmane Dembele

Coutinho could end his Barcelona misery following Griezmann's arrival

When both Coutinho and Dembele arrived at Barcelona, they came in as the club's record signings, carrying weights of expectation on their shoulders to replace two of the greatest players in Barcelona's history.

In the case of Dembele, he was signed as a prodigiously talented 20-year-old after starring for Dortmund for one season and was brought in ostensibly as a replacement for Neymar. However, a string of serious injuries and unprofessional conduct have hampered his Barcelona career.

Philippe Coutinho has undoubtedly fared worse, as despite starring in his first half-season with the club, many expected that the long-term replacement for Andres Iniesta had finally arrived, but it horribly went off course for the Brazilian, as he struggled for form and was the target of boos from the Nou Camp crowd on multiple occasions.

The result of this is that neither player is certain of their Barcelona future heading into next season and their precarious positions are bound to get worse following Griezmann's arrival.

In light of the heavy finances expended on getting Griezmann, Barcelona might have to sell off some players to recoup some funds especially with respect to their interest in Neymar and one of Coutinho or Dembele are certain to leave the club to balance the books.

Also, from a sporting angle, one or both men might have to make way, as Griezmann's playing position on the field means that there would not be space for all three men in the same team.

Coutinho and Dembele have not really settled into their rhythm since arriving Barcelona and Griezmann's signing could well be an end to their disappointing spells in Catalunya.

#1 Real Madrid and the rest of the continent

With two consecutive league titles and seven in the last 10 years as well as five Copa del Rey victories from the last six editions, Barcelona are undoubtedly the dominant force in Spain.

It is however on the continent where their main aspirations lie, with the Blaugrana's last triumph in Europe's premier club competition coming 'way back' in 2015 and this yearning for the 'Big Ears' would only have heightened following their disappointing eliminations in the last two editions.

It is in light of this that Griezmann's capture represents an excellent opportunity for Ernesto Valverde, as the former Real Sociedad man is a pristine forward on his day.

If he gels into Barcelona and performs at or exceeds his usual levels, the club would undoubtedly be strengthened and this portends a scary scenario for the rest of Spain and Europe.

Real Madrid are heading into next season desperate to end Barcelona's stranglehold of La Liga, but Griezmann's addition makes their job all the more difficult.

In Europe, clubs like Juventus, Manchester City, and Liverpool would all be looking at going all the way in the Champions League, but with Griezmann's addition, Barcelona would fancy their chances of a sixth triumph.