It appears that a trade deal between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid is imminent. Antoine Griezmann will return to the team where he became a household name, and Barcelona will receive a versatile, albeit recently underperforming Saul Niguez, along with some money.
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The deal is clearly one that is a necessity rather than a luxury. Barcelona was always going to have to offload Griezmann, regardless of his performances. The Frenchman is the second-highest earner in the squad right now and is eating up a huge amount of wages.
With an attack that is already overloaded with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Memphis Depay, not to mention a returning Ansu Fati, Griezmann would have been surplus to requirements.
The fanbase is split down the middle over this deal, with there being no consensus opinion on it. With that in mind, it seems best to look at the positives and negatives to come out of this deal for Barcelona.
Getting rid of a huge wage earner in Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann struggled in his first season at Barcelona. His second run with the team proved a lot better, with the Frenchman becoming the second-highest goal contributor in the team. But his returns do not justify his exorbitant wages.
Griezmann earns close to €45 million in annual salary from Barca. Offloading him will be a major relief to a wage bill that needs to be reduced to comply with the La Liga salary cap. The cap has been one of the biggest issues for Joan Laporta, as he must significantly reduce it before re-signing Leo Messi and registering the new signings made.
Plus, Griezmann is 30 years of age. He is still in elite shape and performing at a high level. But naturally, his body will start to give way, and Barcelona would be foolish to honor his contract going further.
Direct rivals further bolstered
Let me say two names – David Villa and Luis Suarez. Both players were let go by Barcelona to Atleti for meagre prices. And both players ended up contributing to Atletico’s two title wins over the last decade.
Griezmann could do the same. If anything, he will have a greater advantage having been part of the Atleti system for so many years. Pairing him with Luis Suarez, who showed that he can still bang in the goals, is strengthening a direct La Liga rivals who are already a cut above Barcelona.
Simeone knows exactly how to use Griezmann, and his defensive work rate will put him above Joao Felix in the squad. This could end very badly for us in the league.
Saul fits the profile that Koeman wants
Saul Niguez is a solid player. Last season was a struggle for him, but there is clear quality. Furthermore, he gives something completely different on the pitch. Look at past deals such as Paulinho and Vidal. The former is a bit of stretch, but both brought a physical presence and dynamism that the midfield didn’t have.
Furthermore, Ronald Koeman wants a player of that profile, especially after missing out on Gini Wijnaldum to PSG. Niguez is younger, has La Liga experience, and crucially has big-game experience, thanks to Atletico’s Champions League campaign in 15-16.
Niguez would be a huge help in the midfield, but…
How many are too many midfielders for Barcelona?
Last season, one of the biggest talking points was how the midfield potential of Barcelona was not getting enough attention. Koeman insisted on starting Frenkie De Jong, Sergio Busquets, and Pedri. All three players showed why he was right to do so. But players like Riqui Puig didn’t get an opportunity to show what they can do.
Yes, Niguez brings dynamism, but he is yet another obstacle for the likes Puig, Moriba, and other aspiring stars to overcome. And his profile will ensure that he gets plenty of playing time under Koeman.
Here is hoping that Koeman can use the versatility and depth in midfield to his favor, rather than being over-reliant on certain stars.
Niguez will add depth where it belongs, and Griezmann leaving lightens the attack
If this deal goes through, it takes a solid defensive and attacking player out of the attacking options, and gives one in the midfield. The issue of midfield depth is both a positive and a negative. I mentioned the negative above. But the truth is any team trying to make a run in all three competitions needs that kind of depth.
The attack was too crowded, and being spoilt for choice is one thing, and being hamstrung by options is another. Saul adds another quality star to a midfield that doesn’t boast more than 3, maybe 4.
Add to this the solid signings of Eric Garcia and Emerson Royal for the defense, Barcelona will be stronger next season and can try to improve on their Champions League record of the past (Even if they don’t win).
Should Barca take the swap?