10.07.2019 - 12:42 | Source: AS/Marca/ESPN/TM | Reading Time: 2 mins

Barça transfer on hold

Refusing to attend preseason training - Griezmann insists on 30-day vacation

The buy-out clause in Antoine Griezmann’s (photo) contract dropped down to 120 million euros at the start of July and FC Barcelona are expected to activate it. The 28-year-old announced in May that he will leave Atlético Madrid but, despite the clear intentions, the deal is becoming a farce more an more.

The Catalans want to complete the signing on Wednesday to unveil the Frenchman on Friday but have problems to raise the necessary funds, according to „AS“. Atlético reportedly refused to accept a payment in instalments and want the whole fee up front. The Rojiblancos recently had to raise a similar amount for João Félix (19), who joined the club for 126 million euros and inherited Griezmann’s number 7 shirt.

The relationship between the two Spanish clubs recently cooled down because of Barça’s and the player’s ways of proceeding in the matter. Atlético claimed that there had already been an agreement between Barcelona and Griezmann, when they were still in the race for the LaLiga and Champions League titles, which “violated basic rules” and endangered the “integrity of the competition” as a result.

Stats A. Griezmann Centre-Forward Atlético Madrid Career stats –

All competitions Games 257 Goals 133 Assists 50

Considering the hardened fronts between the two sides, there is no agreement within sight. According to „ESPN“, Atlético have opened disciplinary proceedings against the player for breach of contract. The France international refused a request to attend preseason training on Sunday and is reportedly not legally obliged to join at this time. He is allowed 30 days off in the summer after his last competitive game, which took place on international duty on June 11.

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