Atletico Madrid complete permanent signing of Antoine Griezmann

Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Antoine Griezmann has completed his permanent return to the club from Barcelona.

The Frenchman first joined Atletico in 2014 from Real Sociedad and went on to become one of the defining figures in the club’s modern history, notably helping them reach the Champions League final in 2016 and win the Europa League in 2018.

After flirting with a move to Barça in 2018, he eventually swapped the capital for Catalonia in 2019, though proved to be an underwhelming signing and was loaned back to Atletico at the start of last season on a two-year deal.

And Los Rojiblancos confirmed on Monday afternoon that they have now completed the re-signing of Griezmann on a permanent basis.

“Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Antoine Griezmann, who since the summer of 2021 and to date had played for our club on loan from the Barça entity,” Atletico said in a statement.

“In addition, the French striker has signed a contract that will link him to our entity until June 30, 2026.”

Atletico were subjected to criticism from Barcelona corners earlier this season when they attempted to circumnavigate activating a purchase clause in excess of €40m by only playing Griezmann for limited periods of games.

Barcelona club president Joan Laporta has since confirmed that Atletico will pay €20m up front plus a further €4m in add-ons for Griezmann, having sold him to the Blaugrana for a whopping €120m.