Barcelona may have confirmed Antoine Griezmann's signing, but the deal is far from being done, at least on Atlético Madrid's side.
Earlier today, Los Blaugranas announced that the payment for Griezmann's buyout clause had been made in La Liga's offices. Nevertheless, a press release issued by Los Colchoneros reveals that the club will fight to get $90M more for the deal, since they have reasons to believe that Griezmann and Barcelona reached a deal before the player's clause came down to $135M (€120M).
Here is Atlético Madrid's full press release on this matter, as published on their website.
"Antoine Griezmann, represented by his lawyer, has appeared at the headquarters of the Professional Football League to unilaterally terminate the contract that links the player with Atlético de Madrid, with Fútbol Club Barcelona having deposited the sum of 120 million euros in the name and on behalf of the footballer.
Atlético de Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover his buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from EUR 200 million to EUR 120 million. It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on 14 May announcing his disassociation from the club.
Atlético de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated the procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests."
If La Liga officers believe that Atlético is right, then Barcelona will see the amount of this transfer rising to $225M, which would become the most expensive transfer of all time.
