What’s the Story?
According to reputed French magazine L’Equipe, Real Madrid have what they call a ‘secret’ plan to lure Antoine Griezmann from across the town. This move would be a stupendously audacious one from Florentino Perez and the reports suggest that he is more than willing to pay the $106 million release clause in the Frenchman’s contract with Atletico.
In case you didn’t know...
Griezmann was superb in the Madrid derby yesterday, and the goal he scored in the 85th minute was just a reward for his efforts. He’s been in stunning form this year, recreating the magic he had started weaving in the first half of 2017, and he is probably the most in-form player in La Liga at the moment.
The heart of the matter
While sports consultant and Griezmann’s advisor Eric Olhats had said that the move was a non-starter due to the non-aggression pact between the two clubs, a couple of recent developments have thrown new light onto the situation. When asked about a possible move cross -town in the post-match interview he said:
“I don't rule anything out, but I am happy at Atletico Madrid,"
His refusal to rule anything out has now prompted Sergio Ramos to state that he would be more than welcome at the Bernabeu and that there would be no animosity because of his Atletico history.
L’Equipe revealed that the plan is to get him for the summer of 2018 when Cristiano Ronaldo will be 33 and Real Madrid can start to phase him out. If they get Griezmann he would automatically be a starter.
What next?
There have been reports that Real Madrid are willing to break the pact to sign enterprising Atletico youngster Theo Hernadez (on-loan at Alaves right now). if they are willing to do it with a teenager like that, Perez will surely go the extra mile to get a superstar of the ilk of Griezmann.
Author’s Take
Antoine Griezmann is a brilliant footballer and he will improve any team that he gets into. There is no question of that. His skill, pace, and ability to fit in perfectly with various different tactics makes an asset - as does his ability to play anywhere across the frontline. Thing is though, it would make the relationship between Real and Atletico even more vitriolic. This would be nearly as controversial as the move that shook La Liga’s very foundations – Luis Figo from Barcelona to Real Madrid.
If they can pull this off, though, there is no doubt it would be a great move from Madrid
