FOOTBALL NEWS - ANTOINE GRIEZMANN REJOINS ATLETICO MADRID FROM BARCELONA IN SHOCK DEADLINE DAY MOVE

Antoine Griezmann has sealed a remarkable return to Atletico Madrid, with a loan deal from Barcelona with an option to buy completed.

Barcelona’s dire financial situation has seen them jettison players and renegotiate contracts of some leading stars.

Griezmann is one of the highest earners at Camp Nou, but Barca have now got him off their wage book with a sensational loan back to his former club, with an option to buy for €40 million.

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The France international joined Barca from Atletico in 2019 in a move worth €120 million. Despite the huge fanfare and transfer fee, Griezmann only showed glimpses of his quality in Catalunya and Barcelona have had to take a huge loss on his move.

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With Lionel Messi departing in the summer, the stage seemed set for Griezmann to take the limelight. However, the club deem it better business to get his wages out of the door.

It was reported earlier on Deadline Day that Joao Felix could head in the other direction and join Barcelona, but that did not materialise.

Griezmann saw Atletico win La Liga last term, and he will now look to play a big part in the defence for Diego Simeone’s team.