Barcelona, October 10 (BNA): Atletico Madrid reached an agreement with Barcelona on Monday to sign striker Antoine Griezmann on a permanent transfer deal, allowing the France international to play more than minutes.
Atletico said Griezmann had signed a contract with the club until June 2026. He was in the final season of his two-year loan from Barcelona, according to the Associated Press.
The Catalan club said it would receive 20 million euros ($19.4 million) for the transfer, in addition to variables that could amount to another 4 million euros ($3.8 million).
The two teams were in a contract dispute that was limiting the chances of the 31-year-old striker for Atletico, who would have had to pay Barcelona 40 million euros ($38.8 million) if his playing time exceeded a certain number of minutes.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone has been using the striker as a substitute after 60 minutes in most matches this season.
Griezmann has scored three goals – including an important late victory against Porto in the Champions League – and has assisted twice so far.
Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, said the deal with Atletico was crucial for his club as it prevents him from paying Griezmann’s high salary if he returns from loan.
Barcelona is working hard to reduce the salaries of its players and meet the strict financial fair play rules in La Liga.
Griezmann, a World Cup champion with France four years ago, was a star at Atletico from 2014-19 before moving to Barcelona in two mostly frustrating seasons.
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