Antoine Griezmann has more or less agreed to the fact that he’ll be moving in the summer. With talks of Manchester United already having made an arrangement – which broke suspiciously quickly after their 1-1 draw against Hull – there are only a few clubs left in the world who could take over from there.
The 25-year-old is going to cost a lot of money. Not Paul Pogba-esque kind of money but a lot of money nonetheless. Apart from Real Madrid – who seemingly have a gentleman’s agreement not to buy players from Atletico Madrid – Griezmann could move anywhere in Europe to join one of the big guns. Especially the ones who could compete for the UEFA Champions League.
Here’s looking at five clubs in the world that could realistically afford and thus bid for Antoine Griezmann in the summer:
#1 Manchester United
There’s a lot of talk about Antoine Griezmann’s supposed bromance with compatriot Paul Pogba and that links him with a move to Old Trafford. Weird. But, Jose Mourinho’s side remains one of the richest clubs in the world and have the kind of money to afford any player in the world – barring those two La Liga aliens.
The Portuguese manager has said this last month that he’s going to buy a lot in the summer to further ‘fix’ the squad. And given Manchester United are the lowest goalscorers in the top seven of the Premier League – Everton included – it feels logical that he’ll target one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe.
The Frenchman scored 32 goals in 54 appearances for Atletico Madrid last season and already has 15 goals this time around meaning he’s one of the best finishers in the game. While he’ll cost a fortune for Manchester United and they’ll probably have to make up for it by signing safety pin and goat cheese partners, he’ll add an element to their attack they haven’t had since they lost Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in 2009.
#2 Chelsea
Just imagine a front-three of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Antoine Griezmann. That’s a perfect combination of talent, aggression and goal-scoring prowess. I’m sure of Antonio Conte read that he’d drool nonchalantly for a few minutes irrespective of how awkward it could become.
Griezmann’s biggest strength is his ability to time his runs into the box. We usually say that for a midfielder but this guy has the knack of arriving at the right time every time. And he has the confidence and the technique to put those chances away with ease. How much would you pay for that?
While it means Chelsea will have to let go of a few players – like Willian or Cesc Fabregas – so be it. They’re incredible players, no doubt, but even Conte will know that there are only a few chances in your lifetime you get to sign one of the three finalists of the FIFA Ballon d’Or for a decent-ish fee.
#3 Juventus
The Old Lady are a club looking forward unlike any other European giant. They’re solid in their finances, have one of the strongest squads in world football and a coach capable of guiding them to the very top.
They made a boatload of money on selling Paul Pogba back to Manchester United and immediately invested that money in signing Gonzalo Higuain – something Daniel Levy thought he was too smart to do with the Gareth Bale money. The Turin club might not be able to afford Griezmann in the summer but should one of the rumour windmill’s biggest fantasy come true, they just might.
Paulo Dybala is a wanted man with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all interested in his services. Should he depart Juventus, they’ll have the kind of money to afford Griezmann and ensure he has the right squad to compete for the UEFA Champions League. They’re definitely one of the whitest dark horses in the tournament.
#4 Paris Saint-Germain
’The Homecoming’ as has often been described by French press on Antoine Griezmann supposedly interesting Paris Saint-Germain would actually be a good move for both parties. The Parisians are on an upward curve and have the kind of resources and the team to challenge for the best of trophies.
There’s only a problem of space. With Lucas, Javier Pastore, Angel di Maria, Julian Draxler, Goncalo Guedes and Edinson Cavani taking up three slots up top, someone’s got to give way to make room for Griezmann to come in and do his thing regularly.
Unai Emery is a tactical manager penning out the minutest of details and he’ll not be happy with having to give up one – or two – of his stars to accommodate someone who could cost the club the kind of money they haven’t ever done so.
Bayern Munich
It’s so often that we forget Bayern Munich are one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Bavarian giants are easily the third best squad team in the world – after Barcelona and Real Madrid – and could very well be the ideal destination for Griezmann provided he loves sauerkrauts and beers.
With Thomas Muller, Thiago Alcantara, Robert Lewandowski, Douglas Costa, Jerome Boateng and David Alaba all hitting their strides together, there’s no better team to be a part of than Bayern Munich. They’re an incredible group of players who understand each other unlike any other team.
And given they might be losing the likes of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery to old age, they might as well recruit one of the best young-ish forwards in the game in his prime. Griezmann will fit into the system effortlessly and has the kind of talent and decision-making that will improve this already ridiculous Avengers-like assembled squad.
