Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s impossible swap deal

According to various reports, FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are advancing negotiations for an incredible swap deal between players.

FC Barcelona continue their attempts to not top that salary cap with a possible swap deal with Atletico Madrid. We just glossed over the chances the Colchoneros have to trade Antoine Griezman for Saul Ñiguez. According to Diario AS, the French forward is aware that the Catalan club doesn’t want him to continue at the club due to his elevated wage. Currently, Antoine earns €21 million per season after tax. He has the highest contract at FC Barcelona now that Messi is a free agent.

It’s safe to assume that Griezmann never lived up to the club’s expectations, he failed as one of the most hyped-up transfers. Now that he knows he isn’t wanted there anymore, Antoine doesn’t mind going back to the club where he became a star. Diego Simeone never wanted him to leave and he would kill to get him back in order to remain wildly competitive. On the other hand, it appears Saul is finally reaching the twilight of his tenure as an Atletico Madrid player. He is willing to search for new challenges.

According to the reliable @partidazocope, the Griezmann-Saúl swap is now imminent.

The Frenchman will return to Atlético and Saúl will reinforce Barça’s midfield.

What a deal that looks for Atletico, as you'd have to assume Griezmann's wage will drop significantly. pic.twitter.com/YlQfPM1WiM
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) July 14, 2021

Barcelona’s plan to get rid of Griezmann.

Initially, there were reports of Antoine Griezmann’s trade for not only Saul but another two players as well. Renan Lodi and Mario Hermoso were allegedly part of the negotiations for a trade. However, this information was quickly denied from within the Colchoneros. If a trade is happening, it will only be between Griezmann and Saul. FC Barcelona’s intention is mostly to get rid of the Frenchman’s salary in order to get ‘Kun’ Aguero and Memphis Depay to play next season.

With the Leo Messi situation mostly sorted out, all the club needs to do is finish this possible swap and also get rid of Phil Coutinho. Within the next week, we will start getting new information about these possible exits from FC Barcelona. Ronald Koeman’s plans are finally starting to become a reality if all of this happens in the coming days.