Barcelona transfer news: Griezmann deal done, Superstar agrees contract and more

All the transfer news related to Barcelona Football Club.

 

Barcelona agree deal for Griezmann

The Atletico Madrid forward was previously rumoured to be the main target for Barcelona after Neymar's departure in the summer. However, Atletico's transfer ban was upheld till January and Griezmann opted to stay with his current club. The 26-year old was subsequently rewarded with a new contract.

This decision affected Manchester United's transfer plans as well because Jose Mourinho wanted the Frenchman in the summer. The club finally signed former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku instead and were set to bid for Griezmann next year.

Now, in a news that could hurt Manchester United while acting as music for the Barcelona ears, French outlet, Le10 Sports, revealed that Atletico are honouring an agreement with the player to let him leave. Further, the report states that a deal will be announced shortly, confirming Griezmann's departure to Barcelona.

The Catalan side are willing to pay the striker €20 million a year on a five-year contract. Also, Griezmann's release clause is set to come down to €100 million from €200 million on January 1 which could mean Barcelona do not overpay in the current market.
This will be a big blow for Mourinho's plans but it could prove to be a big move for Barcelona as Griezmann is a proven performer in the La Liga and will join Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele and Lionel Messi in a frightening attack.
                                                                                                                                                                  

Messi has signed his new contract

 

There has been nervousness around Barcelona over Messi extending his contract beyond next summer. The new contract was reportedly agreed in the summer but the Argentine did not sign the deal, sparking rumours of a potential departure. Further, Neymar's departure and the club's inability to sign top replacements were mentioned as possible reasons.

The club hierarchy, however, assured fans that Messi will put pen to paper and that his father, who doubles up as his agent, has already signed the deal. Nevertheless, there is a significant concern about Messi's contract and now the La Liga president Javier Tebas has come out and said:

• 'Messi has a contract which has been renewed. Contracts are official when they are signed and not when it is announced that they have been signed. Messi has signed with Barcelona, if I have not been lied to, he has signed.'

This is great news for Barcelona and Messi is a signing more important any other player coming in from other clubs. While the official announcement is yet to happen, a statement from the La Liga president can be considered to be a positive sign.
                                                                                                                                                                  

Goretzka chooses Liverpool over Barcelona

 

The Schalke midfielder is sought by clubs all over Europe with his contract expiring in the summer. Recent reports in Spain mentioned that Goretzka had chosen Barcelona amongst other clubs including Bayern Munich. The German midfielder is a vital cog in both his club and country's sides and at 22 years of age, is yet to hit his peak.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Spanish outlet Don Balon now report that the player has chosen Liverpool over Barcelona. While Jurgen Klopp's German influence could prove to be a factor, the news outlet states that Goretzka was offered a low salary package to join Ernesto Valverde's side.

The news needs to be taken with a pinch of salt as the German national team's manager Oliver Bierhoff recently spoke about the player being undecided on his next destination. Nevertheless, this is definitely a warning sign for Barcelona as several top clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern and Liverpool are interested in Goretzka. Hence, the Blaugrana need to move quickly in the upcoming transfer window to sign the player.