The Antoine Griezmann ‘loophole’ that could see Barcelona miss out on big sum

It goes without saying that Barcelona are not in the greatest financial position, and the latest revelation surrounding Antoine Griezmann could potentially leave them in more despair.

Throughout the transfer window, the Spanish giants have splashed the cash on a plethora of big-name players.

Fans rejoiced as the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha walked through the doors at the Nou Camp. However, the club played down the importance of one key areayou have to register the players.

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La Liga put its foot down with the club, demanding that unless they reduce their wage bill, they won’t be able to register any new signings. Thankfully for them, Barca have been able to register four new additions.

However, Jules Kounde still isn’t registered. Thus the club have tried desperately to unload the likes of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay. However, they’ve not had the success they’d have liked, which has left them in a bit of a hole.

In addition, they expected to recoup some money on Griezmann in the near future, who they loaned back to Atletico Madrid last season. However, due to a stipulation in the Frenchman’s contract, ‘Blaugrana’ may receive far less than they would hope.

Antoine Griezmann clause leaves Barcelona in a bad position

Sport claim that Atletico would rather not pay the €40 million fee that they would owe to their rivals at the end of the campaign to sign Griezmann permanently. It has been expected that they would honour the agreement – but the purchase clause is not mandatory.

Therefore, they’re considering a way out. According to Relevo, if the forward plays less than 50 per cent of his matches across the two years of his loan, then Diego Simeone’s side won’t have to cough up any money whatsoever.

Last year, the player reached that figure on 33 occasions out of 40 (82.5%). Consequently, he’d need to play significantly less for Atletico to avoid the fee.

However, Sport also say that a loophole in Griezmann’s contract means that, when it comes to matches played, a total of 45 minutes of playing time counts as one match. So far, he has played 29 minutes in each of Atletico’s opening La Liga games.

Spanish outlet Cadena SAR report, in addition, that Simeone’s side will only pay the €40m fee if Griezmann agrees to a 30% pay cut. It isn’t clear whether the Frenchman will take up the offer. If he doesn’t, Barca could miss out on receiving a big fee for Griezmann.

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