Manchester City is apparently prepared to pay the exit clause for Antoine Griezmann. FC Barcelona is still the favourite in the Griezmann Poker – also because of Lionel Messi.
According to English media reports, Manchester City is prepared to pay the 125 million euro exit clause for Griezmann. City coach Pep Guardiola would thus be in direct competition with his heart club FC Barcelona.
According to Madrid journalist Roberto Gomez, Griezmann has long since decided to switch to FC Barcelona – the reason being Lionel Messi. Griezmann said at the meeting with Diego Simeone, Altetico President Miguel Angel Gil Marin and Sports Director Andrea Berta: “I can’t say no to Lionel Messi”. So Gomez quoted the French world champion at Radio Marca.
The announcement of a change could take until July 1, independent of the host club. Only then does Griezmann’s exit clause take effect.
Atletico Madrid has apparently already found a successor for the outgoing striker star. According to the Marca, the Rojiblancos want to sign Joao Felix of Benfica Lisbon.
According to the report, the 19-year-old Portuguese would cost around 120 million euros. The close relationship between Felix consultant Jorge Mendes and Atletico boss Gil Marin also speaks in favour of a commitment.
Felix made his breakthrough at Benfica this season. He was used in 42 competitive games and was directly involved in 30 goals (19 goals, eleven assists). He met Eintracht Frankfurt with Benfica in the Europa League quarter-finals and scored three goals in the 4-2 first leg victory.
