Official: Barcelona complete first foolish transfer of the summer
After a break, Barcelona are back to making impulsive, nonsensical signings
When Robert Fernández was replaced by Éric Abidal as technical secretary, there was a hope that the impulsive signings characterised by club transfer policy in recent history would stop. One summer of business signalled a change, but Barcelona are back to their ways.
After a long-drawn transfer saga, Barça have officially announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atlético for €120 million. The deal is very controversial, with Atlético alleging illegal contact between Barça and Griezmann.
This transfer has repercussions on both the sporting and management level. Firstly, it is a very poor decision considering the season that Griezmann has had, as well as his age. The objective was to find a long-term successor to Luis Suárez.
More from FC Barcelona News
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- FC Barcelona tracking 20-year-old goal machine
- Lamine Yamal’s involvement causing tension at FC Barcelona
- How can Xavi unlock Joao Felix for FC Barcelona?
But instead of the fulfillment of that objective with the signing of a player like Timo Werner or Luka Jović, Barça have paid a colossal premium for a competitor to Suárez. Moreover, Griezmann is likely to commence his Barça career down the left.
That will reduce Ousmane Dembélé’s playing time, while eliminating all possibilities of Philippe Coutinho getting minutes. Secondly, it will spoil a previously cordial relationship between Barça and Atlético, which was cultivated over a long period of time.
dark. Next. Barça look at Cancelo as Semedo replacement
Antoine Griezmann may be one of the best players in the world, but he is a disaster waiting to happen at Barça. He has all the characteristics of an expensive flop, and could destroy the stability which has built up in the core of the squad under Ernesto Valverde.