Antoine Griezmann was once again subbed on after the 60th minute by Diego Simeone as Atletico Madrid look to avoid paying Barcelona the money they believe they’re owed.
The Frenchman returned to his former club on loan from the financially stricken Barcelona last summer, with the deal for two years. If Griezmann plays a certain amount of time for his current side (50% of games or more), they apparently owe €40 million, making the loan deal permanent.
Diego Simeone has been bringing on Griezmann after the hour mark in every game this season, including in European competitions, with the forward bagging an incredibly late winner on Wednesday night in the Champions League.
After that clash, Barcelona threatened to start a lawsuit against them as they believe they are already owed the money for the transfer becoming permanent according to The Daily Mail.
During the first year of the loan, Griezmann played around 80% of games for Atletico, and Barcelona claim their deal was for the first year only and thus, Simeone’s side have to pay up.
Therefore, it wouldn’t matter how many minutes he plays this season, whether it be the full game or a few seconds, Barcelona believe they are owed the money.
MADRID, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 07: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid reacts during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Atletico Madrid and FC Porto at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium on September 07, 2022 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Why are Atletico Madrid so unwilling to pay for a key player?
It could cause quite some problems for Atletico, who themselves are struggling financially. The Catalan club have had their difficulties well publicised, but it’s the same sorry story for Atletico Madrid.
As per GOAL, five players had to reduce their wages in the summer to help the club massively, with the likes of Joao Felix, Thomas Lemar, and Jan Oblak all taking cuts.
Taking that into account, it’s no surprise to see them doing anything and everything to avoid paying Barcelona, leaving a star player on the bench rather than start him.
Although legal action has been threatened, Atletico still clearly feel they don’t owe Barcelona the money and the clause was applicable to both seasons, as they repeated the feat last night.
Simeone brought Griezmann on again after the hour mark, with the Frenchman entering the fray in the 63rd minute last night, replacing Alvaro Morata as his side put Celta Vigo to the sword in a 4-1 victory at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone
How many minutes has the World Cup winner played for his club this season?
So far this season, Griezmann has five appearances for his side, playing 28, 28, 26, 27 and 27 minutes in the league and 29 in the Champions League, according to TransferMarkt.
Despite only playing a total of 165 minutes in all competitions, the World Cup winner has an impressive three goals, including two winners.
Plenty of respect has to be given to Griezmann who is taking everything in his stride, going from being an incredibly important player to having to settle for cameos this season for circumstances beyond his control must be difficult.
But, to stay as professional as he has done and still contributing to the team in a major way speaks volumes on the type of character he is.