Antoine Griezmann has said that the acquisition of Neymar will be difficult this summer.
New signing Antoine Griezmann says Neymar’s signing would prove to be ‘difficult’, but hopes for the transfer to go through because of the Brazilian’s world-class qualities.
The French International signed for the Blaugrana for €120 million from Atletico Madrid this summer. Even though Atletico Madrid desire another €80 million, the transfer has successfully gone through assisting Griezmann to feature in Barcelona games.
Apart from his signing, Ernesto Valverde also managed to rope Frenkie De Jong to Barcelona for €75 million. Neto’s acquisition does not take any toil because of the same fee paid by Valencia for Cillessen to balance the books.
He opened to Neymar’s Nou Camp transfer but, despite Barcelona exploring many options, a solution has not been made for the 27-year-old. The Frenchman also spoke about the quality of some other players including Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, and Malcom.
Griezmann said: “We have to get it done first because it is a difficult transfer, but he is a great player.
“He’s had a couple of injuries but he’s at an incredible level.
“We also have [Ousmane] Dembele, [Philippe] Coutinho and Malcom, who are also important players for us, so let’s hope we can achieve great things with them.”
The two forwards which Griezmann did forget to mention was Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The duo is an automatic starter in the forward department, irrespective of new signings.
Griezmann is hoping to play a pivotal role in the upcoming season.
“I hope I will have an important role, I want to be an important player for the team and help in whatever way I can,” added Griezmann.
“As long as I enjoy playing with my team-mates and give it all on the pitch, it doesn’t matter.”
Here’s how Twitter has reacted..
Griezmann doesn’t sound optimistic about playing with Neymar 👎https://t.co/Ep57kRhE0z
— Goal News (@GoalNews) July 22, 2019
Valverde already asked for Griezmann back in 2017. Without knowing Neymar would leave the club, the coach wanted Barcelona to sign the Frenchman to give relief to the trident existing of Messi, Suárez and Neymar. [md] pic.twitter.com/z94NExiHFT
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 21, 2019
Griezmann: “Neymar’s signing would be madness? It makes it even more difficult for the boss and it is more competitive in the group. He is a great player. I know him a bit and we will see what happens.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 21, 2019
Griezmann: “Barcelona are building a team like a cheat code in a video game: Luis Suárez, Messi, Dembélé, Frenkie de Jong… We have a good team, great players and then it’s the boss that has to decide who plays.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 21, 2019
Griezmann: “Yes, it will be amazing to play with Messi. I am excited to see what he is like day to day, what he is like in training.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 21, 2019
What’s next?
Antoine Griezmann will make his first appearance for Barcelona while his side takes on Chelsea in a pre-season friendly tomorrow.
