Manchester United have “promised” Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann parity with Paul Pogba, in terms of wages, should he make the switch to Old Trafford this summer.That’s according to Phil Cadden of The Sun, who noted preliminary talks have already been held with Griezmann’s representatives over the terms of a transfer. If he joins the Red Devils, the Frenchman could earn a weekly wage of £220,000.
As Bleacher Report UK hinted, it’s quite the sum of money:
“United have yet to agree a fee for Griezmann with Atletico, who are demanding they shell out his £86 million release clause,” Cadden said. “But the Red Devils are still confident of reaching an agreement with the Madrid club—and could even offer players as makeweights in any deal.”
For the 25-year-old, 2016 was a bittersweet year. While Griezmann was on the losing side in two major finals, with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and France at the UEFA European Championship, he was central to each side’s progression.
His performances at the point of the attack for both earned him a spot on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or that Cristiano Ronaldo won. Here’s a look at how he cemented himself as one of the best footballers in the world:
At Atletico, under the tutelage of Diego Simeone, there have been drastic improvements made to Griezmann’s game.
The attacker arrived at the Vicente Calderon in 2014 from Real Sociedad as a talented wide player. Since then, his skills have been refined, his role in the team has been defined and significant progression has followed.
Typically operating as a split striker, Griezmann’s blistering surges from deep, timing of runs into the box and ability to influence the game from deeper positions has propelled him into the world-class bracket. Per OptaJose, no French player was more prolific last year:
Atletico will be desperate to keep him, although United possess the capital to get enormous deals done, as they showed with the acquisition of Pogba in the summer.
While Juventus, like Atletico, are better placed than the Red Devils to challenge for trophies, Old Trafford has an allure. And if United were able to agree terms with Atletico, there’s little doubt Griezmann would be tempted by the wages said to be on offer.
The end of this season will mark three terms at Atletico Madrid for Griezmann, and with the team sitting in sixth place in La Liga, he may feel a new challenge would be invigorating. After all, while he’s developed with Atletico, the Frenchman has yet to win anything.
While United aren’t quite ready to compete for the biggest honours yet, the intention to be juggernauts of the world game once again, indicated by signing players such as Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is there. Griezmann’s acquisition would further confirm that ambition.
By Matt Jones , Featured Columnist Jan 6, 2017
