Barcelona president Bartomeu offered to swap Antoine Griezmann for Joao Felix: Report

Spanish giants Barcelona have been spending heftily since departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017, and to a lesser extent since 2014. immediate season saw arrival of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho, while Catalans were successful in sealing transfer of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid last summer. After just one season at Camp u, Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu reportedly offered to swap Greizmann for Atletico Madrid's record signing, Joao Felix. 

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Bartomeu offers Griezmann to Atletico Madrid 

According to a report by Spanish media publication Marca, Barcelona president Bartomeu had offered to swap Griezmann for Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix before quarter-final of Champions League. Bartomeu wanted to cut down ws of Frenchman with 2018 World Cup winner earning a staggering €18 million. On or hand, Felix earns €3.5 million, which would have proven financially viable for Catalan giants. 

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Atletico Madrid reject Bartomeu's offer 

However, same report states that Atletico Madrid turned down opportunity to reacquire Griezmann. In fact, club countered offer put forward by Bartomeu with inclusion of Diego Costa in deal. However, Barcelona president decided to abandon talks with inclusion of Costa. Since n, Bartomeu has maintained that Griezmann is off-limits.

 result of that quarter-final brought about changes in ranks at Barcelona. After 8-2 humiliation inflicted by Bayern Munich, club decided to sack manr Quique Setien and he was subsequently replaced by Nerlands manr Ronald Koeman. new manr has reportedly placed his trust in French striker and expects him to lead lines at Camp u, with Lionel Messi's exit looming large. 

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Atletico Madrid cant afford Griezmann

Atletico Madrid signed Joao Felix from Benfica last summer for a fee hovering in range of €126 million ($149m). Portuguese international mand to score nine goals while also bagging three assists across all competitions in his debut season. On or hand, Griezmann netted 15 times during course of season. Griezmann has a better scoring record than 20-year-old youngster. However, he also enjoys a hefty paycheque, which Atletico Madrid cant afford on ir books. 

Though Griezmann was  main man for Diego Simeone, his departure brought about more relief than resentment. striker's dressing room behaviour and ws he earns at Barcelona would have created several problems for Los Rojiblancos, who are already suffering heavy financial losses. 

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Im courtesy: AP