Barcelona were desperate to sign Antoine Griezmann last summer. Everything seemed to be pointing towards a move to the Camp Nou for the Frenchman until a few days before the World Cup when he rejected their offer and decided to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Things have changed, though, and Barcelona have no intentions of signing the No.7, despite L’Equipe’s suggestions that the Catalans are considering another summer bid, and there are a number of reasons for their interest in Griezmann cooling.
The first is that their priority is to sign a forward who will eventually replace Luis Suarez, but one who can coexist at the club until the Uruguayan moves on. At 32, Suarez still has a bit of time left.
Another is that the World Cup winner no longer fits the profile of player they want. They’re keen to bring in a player with the traits of Luka Jovic, Timo Werneror Maxi Gomez, all of whom are on their agenda.
Last summer’s antics are another factor the club are keeping in mind. The player rejected them and, what’s worse, he did it via a documentary that was produced by Gerard Pique’s company, which felt like a humiliation to the club and an act of disrespect.
Lastly, the dressing room aren’t too keen on Griezmann. The players were also a little put out by what happened, particularly Pique. The doors wouldn’t be opened widely to welcome the Atletico forward and that, matched with the 120 million euros it would take to sign him, are reason enough for Barcelona to look elsewhere.