Griezmann's move to Barcelona hits a snag as Atletico challenge €120 million buy-out clause

Antoine Griezmann’s €120 million transfer to Barcelona may not go as smoothly as anticipated after Atlético de Madrid lodged their protest to the circumstances of his contract buy-out.

Barcelona issued a statement on Friday afternoon confirming they had met the €120 million release clause in his contract and he would sign a five-year deal with the Catalan giants.

Atlético fired back with a statement of their own shortly afterwards suggesting Barcelona should instead have to pay the €200 million clause that was in place until July 1^st.

Griezmann stated his desire to leave the club on May 14^th and, Atlético contend, had an agreement with Barcelona pre-dating the reduction in the buy-out clause.

The club have now initiated legal proceedings in order to defend their view of events which could hold up the completion of the World Cup winner’s transfer to Catalonia.

“Atlético de Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover his buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from EUR 200 million to EUR 120 million,” the statement reads.

“It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on 14 May announcing his disassociation from the club.

“Atlético de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated the procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests.”

Atlético Madrid statement:

Antoine Griezmann, represented by his lawyer, has appeared at the headquarters of the Professional Football League to unilaterally terminate the contract that links the player with Atlético de Madrid, with Fútbol Club Barcelona having deposited the sum of 120 million euros in the name and on behalf of the footballer.

Atlético de Madrid considers that the deposited amount is insufficient to cover his buyout clause, since it is obvious that the agreement between the player and FC Barcelona was closed before the clause was reduced from EUR 200 million to EUR 120 million. It was also prior to the date on which the clause was modified the communication that the player made on 14 May announcing his disassociation from the club.

Atlético de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated the procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests.