FC Barcelona pay Atletico Madrid 15 million euros for first refusal

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reportedly signed a peace agreement over the Antoine Griezmann case. The France international joined Barcelona in a big-money move from Atletico this season, but the latter were unhappy with the former over the way they handled the deal. Barcelona were fined 300 euros for holding talks with Griezmann before his release clause was reduced from 200 million euros to 120 million euros.

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According to Spanish media reports, the new agreement sees Barcelona pay the Roji Blancos 15 million euros and the right to negotiate for six Atletico players, including the likes of Saul and Jose Gimenez. These rights aren't an obligation to buy, but they give Barcelona the option to match any bid that Atletico receive for those players. The two clubs had agreed to keep secret emails and conversations held between Griezmann and his representatives which revealed that his move to Barcelona was confirmed in March 2019.

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However, Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has stated to the Spanish media that the first-refusal agreement that the club had with FC Barcelona on several Atletico players was in no way related to the Antoine Griezmann issue, which he added, is now completely closed and forgotten about.

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Griezmann's difficult start at Camp Nou

Griezmann has not made the best start to his stint at Barcelona as he seems to struggle to settle and strike a partnership with the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Barcelona fans will hope to witness Griezmann’s talent at the Camp Nou, with the 28-year-old certainly capable of being one of the finest attacking players in the world on his day. Griezmann was world-class in his time in Madrid and would look to make an impact at Barcelona once he fully settles in.

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