Antoine Griezmann has become Barcelona’s main transfer target in the upcoming winter transfer window, and rightly so. The 26-year-old French international is clearly struggling for goals this season, but he can still be considered one of the most gifted, intelligent forwards in European football.
Griezmann’s ability to read the game, partnered with his remarkable pace, dribbling ability and composure in front of goal makes him precisely what Barcelona is lacking right now. Valverde could definitely add someone capable of running behind defenders, rotating dynamically between attacking positions and, most importantly, finish the job when facing the rival keeper.
Barcelona’s interest for Griezmann is not new. In fact, the French international has been linked with a move to the Camp Nou since the Pep Guardiola era and, for one reason or another, the former Real Sociedad youngster has never actually made the move to the Catalan capital.
With Griezmann’s release clause now dropping back to €100 million, it is perhaps time for the ongoing love story to come to an end. Valverde is clearly eager to add much-needed quality to Barca’s attacking third and compatriots Samuel Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and Lucas Digne already established at the Camp Nou. The scenario could not possibly be more favourable.
As we discussed in depth in our latest ‘The Barcelona Podcast’, Griezmann has faced repeated criticism for his performances for Atletico Madrid this season. While his goalscoring return is definitely not as impressive as it was in the last three years, there is no reason to doubt his quality and, at 26, potential for further improvement. Listen to our far more detailed analysis here:
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