Antoine Griezmann could be left in transfer limbo, as Barcelona are now considering a move for Valencia’s Rodrigo in the French star’s planned position.
Griezmann had announced he would be leaving Atletico Madrid this summer in another piece of self-promotion, with the widespread expectation at that point that he would join Barcelona. The Catalan hierarchy have been perturbed by such stunts, however, and there is a huge difference of opinion in the boardroom over whether they should proceed with the signing.
There is similarly a feeling that Rodrigo could be a less difficult transfer to do, with the added benefit that Barcelona could unload unwanted players in a swap deal, like Jasper Cillesen. A move for Griezmann would involve only the fee, of around £100m.
There is now less confidence on the French star’s side the deal will go through. Manchester United could offer a solution to the impasse as there remains interest from executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would prefer that funds are spent in other areas.
