As Barcelona targeted getting the deal done and dusted this week, financial difficulties appear to be a hurdling point.
Barcelona hoped to get the deal done for Antoine Griezmann this week, but the deal is facing an obstacle. The Blaugrana had already bargain with Atletico Madrid, who have refused to budge.
On the other hand, the Madrid side have paid the release clause of Joao Felix, who became the second-costliest teenager after Kylian Mbappe. The French International has been told to regroup with his teammates for the pre-season training, albeit ongoing negotiations with Barcelona. But the World Cup winner has refused to train until an agreement is reached with the Spanish Champions.
In a statement released by the Los Rojiblancos, they condemned the behaviour of Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona, who concluded their agreement back in March. Additionally, Barcelona, who avowed to trigger the release clause when the amount drops from €200 million to €120 million on July 1.
Those involved in negotiations were expecting Barcelona to pay €120 million at La Liga HeadQuarters on Wednesday, says the Spanish publication AS. Following that the player was supposed in Barcelona and the official unveiling was fixed on Friday and could start with his teammates two days after embracing the fans in Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana had a structural plan, but has been hit with a snag because of the financial difficulties. There is an inevitable delay in the payment, although the date is not yet known. As of Barcelona, the financial team is aware of the hapless situation because of the lack of liquidy and negotiations with the banks, who help them endorse €120 million. Besides, the salary for Barcelona players was paid three days later in June.
Having already roped in Frenkie De Jong and Neto from Ajax and Valencia respectively, it has forced the club to operate with a restricted budget for the transfer window.
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What’s next?
Barcelona will have to pay the full release clause if there they are to land Antoine Griezmann. Atletico Madrid will continuously refuse a lower amount because they have already triggered the release clause of Joao Felix, who cost €126 million from Benfica.
