Antoine Griezmann transfer: Atletico Madrid deny Barcelona’s £107m deal and demand £179m for France forward

Atletico claim that Barcelona terminated the player’s contract before it was reduced

Atletico Madrid have denounced Barcelona’s £107m (€120m) deal to sign Antoine Griezmann, claiming they they are due £179m (€200m) for the player.

The La Liga champions have already announced the arrival of the France forward on their website and across social channels.

The 28-year-old has penned a five-year contract at the Nou Camp until 2024, with a new release clause inserted, this time at €800 million.

Yet Atletico believe that negotiations took place well in advance of the fee to release the player dropping and therefore feel entitled to the higher amount.

A statement read: “Antoine Griezmann, represented by his lawyer, has appeared at the headquarters of the Professional Football League to unilaterally terminate the contract that binds the player with Atlético de Madrid, having deposited Fútbol Club Barcelona in the name and on behalf of the player the amount of 120 million euros.

“Atlético de Madrid believes that the amount deposited is insufficient to meet its rescission clause, since it is obvious that the commitment of the player and Football Club Barcelona was closed before the aforementioned clause was reduced from 200 to 120 million euros.

“It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified with the communication that the player made on May 14 announcing his disengagement from the club.

Atletico are now disputing the fee for Antoine Griezmann (Getty)

“Atlético de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract occurred before the end of last season due to events, acts and demonstrations carried out by the player and that is why he has already started the procedures he considered appropriate for the defense of his rights and interests legitimate.

The player scored 21 goals and assisted 10 more in all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side last year, with 133 goals in five years with the club from 257 appearances.

Top 5 most expensive signings ever 

1. Neymar, Barcelona to PSG, €222 million 

2. Kylian Mbappe, Monaco to PSG, €135m

3. Joao Felix, Benfica to Atletico Madrid €126m

4. Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool to Barcelona, €120m

4. Antoine Griezmann, Atletico to Barcelona, €120m 

6. Ousmane Dembele, Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona, €105m

6. Paul Pogba, Juventus to Manchester United, €105m