Liverpool have been characteristically restrained in the transfer market this summer. The Reds have moved one player on and brought one player in, with a few youth players also joining the ranks. There is still time for more deals with the transfer window not slamming shut until October – according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool could move for Antoine Griezmann before then.
Liverpool could move for Antoine Griezmann. (Photo by Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Griezmann, La Liga icon
Antoine Griezmann is undeniably an icon of La Liga. The Frenchman made a name for himself at Atletico Madrid, terrorising defences for Diego Simeone, before moving to Barcelona for a fee of €120m.
His top flight record in Spain is incredibly impressive, boasting 143 goals and 54 assists in 356 appearances.
However, he hasn’t been firing on all cylinders since his move to Barcelona, netting only nine goals in 35 league appearances last season.
Liverpool consider Griezmann
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool could be considering a move for Antoine Griezmann as a result of fallout from the Lionel Messi U-turn.
Prior to the Argentine’s decision to stay, Ronald Koeman had allegedly promised the legend’s role in the side to Griezmann.
Now, with Messi staying, there could be no room for the ex-Atleti star as the club looks to trim the wage budget and keep a path clear for exciting youngster such as Ansu Fati.
Liverpool are reported to be interested in Griezmann along with Manchester United and Arsenal.
What RTK has to say
Nonsense, utter nonsense.
Liverpool signing Antoine Griezmann makes no sense financially. The Reds won’t be willing to stump up the transfer fee the Blaugrana would be looking for, nor would FSG be keen on paying the Frenchman’s costly wages.
Of course, Gini Wijnaldum is reported to be heading the other other way with the Spanish press convinced that Koeman will bring in the Netherlands midfielder.
However, sending Wijnaldum to Barcelona is unlikely to make a dent in the enormous fee that Barca would demand.
There is also the question of where does he play? We can’t expect the boss to drop any of the front three for him and he isn’t likely to want to be on the bench.
Sure, Liverpool value versatility and Griezmann can play all over the front line but that won’t be enough to make this move happen.