Griezmann returns to Atletico Madrid from Barcelona in season-long loan with mandatory €40m purchase option

Posted Wednesday, September 01, 2021 by Goal.com

The France international has sealed a surprise homecoming to the Wanda Metropolitano two years on from an acrimonious exit

Antoine Griezmann has made a shock return to Atletico Madrid after the Rojiblancos completed a season-long loan move for the Barcelona forward with a mandatory €40 million (£34m/$47m) option to buy.

The France international has sealed a surprise homecoming to the Wanda Metropolitano two years on from an acrimonious exit in one of the final twists to a dramatic summer transfer window.

The World Cup winner now heads back to the capital where he forged his reputation as one of the game's strongest talents.

What was said?

In a club release confirming Griezmann's departure, Barca confirmed that Atletico would be obligated to purchase the France international.

"FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of Antoine Griezmann for a season with the option of a further season," the statement said.

"The Madrid club will pay the player's wages and there is a compulsory permanent transfer clause.

"FC Barcelona would like to thank Antoine Griezmann for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future."

Forward makes unlikely comeback

In a summer market that has already seen several of the game's greatest players swap clubs, a reunion with La Liga's reigning champions for old star Griezmann still felt like a distant pipe dream.

But now the 30-year-old - a Ballon d'Or nominee during his previous five-year spell with Diego Simeone's side - is set to wear their distinctive red-and-white strip once more.

An exit from Barca is perhaps less than a surprise, given the Blaugrana's noted financial issues off the field, a problem that has seen the club attempt to cut costs.

Likewise, Griezmann's yield of 35 goals in 105 games for the club has seen him struggle to emerge from the shadow of Lionel Messi, though he did make a scoring start in last term's Copa del Rey Final victory.

Now, he will hope to recapture his golden form with the Rojiblancos as they set about defending their crown this term.

Barca's summer of departures

Barcelona's difficult financial situation led to a number of big names leaving the club over the summer – none bigger, of course, than Lionel Messi, who joined PSG on a free transfer.

The club also sold Junior Firpo to Leeds United before seeing Ilaix Moriba join RB Leipzig and Emerson Royal move to Tottenham on deadline day.

Griezmann's departure capped a difficult spell for the Blaugrana, who have been crippled by financial mismanagement