Griezmann Barça future connected to Messi's renewal
Should the Argentine decide to stay, the French player may be forced to look for opportunities away from Camp Nou.
Much of what happens at FC Barcelona revolves around Leo Messi and that is true in the case of Antoine Griezmann since the French striker moved to Camp Nou in the summer of 2019. The former Atleti player made the switch in a bid to win silverware but was also aware that moving to the Catalan capital would see him play in a different position and adapt to a team that included the Argentine.
Griezmann has been used on the left wing and also been used by Koeman in a more central striking role. In all positions, the 30-year-old has adapted to the circumstances and managed to bag 35 goals in 99 games in a Barça shirt. This striking rate of 0,35 goals per game contrasts with his numbers at Atletico where he bagged 133 goals in 257 games (0,51) goals per game). In his time at Camp Nou, the French international has only won a Copa del Rey winners medal and his output has improved as his Barcelona career has evolved.
Money talks
Barça's current financial predicament and desire to renew certain areas of the squad ahead of the new season, coupled with renewing Messi's deal may be instrumental in the French forward having to pack his bags. Griezmann is one of the highest earners at the club and with the arrival of Depay and Agüero may find a place in the starting XI harder to come by. The problem for the Macon born player though may be linked with the club's salary limit should Messi renew.
At present Antoine Griezmann has no intentions of leaving FC Barcelona but that situation may be forced to change should, as club president Laporta indicate, Messi's renewal is concluded and now a mere formality. Barcelona may need to sell the French star but given the current market situation, it's highly unrealistic that the Catalan side would secure anything like the 120 million they shelled out back in 2019 for his signature.