Reports about a possible swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann and Saul have been gaining traction in the past few days. The deal would involve Griezmann heading back to his old club, with Saul on his way to Barcelona.
For Atletico Madrid, this would be a seismic transfer and we take a look at whether or not it would be mostly positive or mostly negative.
PROS
Griezmann would hit the ground running
The Frenchman already knows the club, the players and Diego Simeone well. There have been some changes since he left two years ago, but the spine of the team remains and he's familiar with the coach's methods.
Quality and goals
Atletico would be getting a proven goalscorer, although his numbers have dropped in recent seasons. He's not scored more than 15 in the last three seasons, but would be the top scoring threat at the club behind Luis Suarez. He will also bring quality in the final third and a good number of assists.
Signing a top player
With the market how it is at the moment, there is practically no other way for Atletico to sign a top-class player this summer. He isn't at the level he was in his first stint, but is still a world-class footballer. Atletico would take full advantage of Barcelona's delicate situation and hope it'll work out as well as it has done with Luis Suarez.
Saul's drop-off in form
Saul's performances have dropped off in the last two seasons. He could be on the downward curve and now could be a good time to move him on.
CONS
How fans welcome him back
With fans set to return to stadiums after a year and a half, the celebrations of last season's title win would be soured by a bad reception for Griezmann. Despite the fact he's loved by Simeone, fans haven't forgotten how he left two years ago and he could be in for a hostile reception.
A loss of identity
The departure of Saul would follow those of Lucas Hernandez, Rodri and Thomas in recent years. That would leave Koke as the only player brought through the youth side who'd still there.
Saul's versatility
Saul has been a player that Simeone has trusted unwaveringly in recent years and is part of the club's old guard who delivered the league title last year. He has started most big games in recent seasons and has played in positions all over the midfield. Atletico will be losing a versatile player who has put in big performances in recent seasons.
Saul could still get back to his best
Griezmann returns to the club at the age of 30, while Saul leaves at 27. Those three years could see Atletico regret this deal. Griezmann is moving into the latter stages of his career and it may be difficult for him to rekindle his top form. Saul, on the other hand, is still young enough to get back to his best version of himself, and could do so at rivals Barcelona.
The role of Correa and Joao Felix
The arrival of Griezmann could see Angel Correa and Joao Felix both see their opportunities at the club diminished significantly. Correa, who played a big part in winning the league title, may struggle for a start as he finds himself vying for the same position as the Frenchman. It is also difficult to see how Felix will fit into the puzzle with the arrival of another top forward and he may really struggle for game time.
DrFranckeinstein
3
Griezmann at Atletico Madrid was ; 0.51 goals/match Griezmann at Barcelona is 0.35goals/match A sharp decrease in stats
nimbklprty
0
saul+hermoso/lodi is a great deal
Messi890trilla
0
Saúl plus 30 million for Griezmann because he is better than saul
rakabiklpr
0
where will we place Saul,? bring Joao Felix instead
rakabiklpr
1
Saul and griezmann is lost
Miockmnt
1
he doesn't win the league at atletico, he join barca and he didn't win the league, if he returns to atletico, then he will still not win the league 😌
Beslnotz
0
It’s might be time we gain from all we have lose in swap deals I believe Saul is a very good addition to the team because he can play any where in midfield and his is till young ,
tusbceiopr
0
I hope Saul is not coming to bench
[image]
Barca with out Busquets in 11 is even a fairytale for Koeman 🤣
RicarMoreno
0
get his butt on the bench he has no business being a starter. Who Griezmann think he is? Louis XIII. He is not the same his value, form dropped at 30 he could be a joker coming from the bench for last 25 mins.
NSKhan
0
I hope Saul is not coming to bench
[image]
Coutinho will leave.
jehacdeiz
6
The truth is Griezmann joining ATM is a win win for them. I don't see any downside to the deal for ATM. It is Barcelona that needs to be worried. These deal can come back to hurt you.
Baydilnstz
0
If this deal happens, it will be recorded as the worst deal in history.
You don’t have alternative , he’s the biggest money consuming player that needs to free up space for Messi resigning , Barcelona doesn’t have too much use for him compared to Messi , Messi doesn’t like his play well
Hamsa_Baydaani
0
If this deal happens, it will be recorded as the worst deal in history.
we already did the worst deal ever when we signed pjanic 😪
SharkV
0
Griezmann developed and adopted to Barca's style and he can perform top level. He was the bigger contributor on Barca's Copa winning the title. Losing him his again will cost Barca like they did for Suarez.
Specialist1
3
If this deal happens, it will be recorded as the worst deal in history.
Varun_100
5
swapping Griezmann for Saul is not a good idea
Professorvikky
2
for Barcelona, it's only cons and no pros...worst ever swap deal[mask][mask][mask][mask]
AzuhDante
4
I hope Saul is not coming to bench
Beautifulboy
4
Messi deserve any sacrifice because of everyone knows he’s the best. 👇🏼
RipRoz
2
Add this too... Pro - AM have been gifted La Liga. Con - Barcelona have lost La Liga.
AnilDangi
3
Atm fans waiting for griezman. ...
Erickson1009
3
We need Saul
paobcimrs
4
so please
zumamruy
4
when you try yo understand the meaning of Seismic