Jose Mourinho could lure Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United
Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Old Trafford gives Manchester United a real shot at signing Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid
For most of the year it’s appeared that Antoine Griezmann would suit up again next season for Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid. Now, with the arrival of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United the Red Devils have a real chance to swoop in and sign the French star.
Just today, The Daily Mail has direct quotes from Griezmann’s agent claiming that the idea that his client is a lock to return to Atletico next season is far from a certainty. That should set off loud warning bells for the La Liga giants while putting the higher-ups at United on high alert.
The arrival of “The Special One” at Old Trafford should put the Premier League titans near the top of Griezmann’s list. Ordinarily I might be concerned about an attacker wanting to play for a dictator like Mourinho, but Griezmann is already used to playing for Simeone. The two managers are quite different, but both require total devotion from their stars.
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Griezmann also happens to be exactly the type of star that United should be chasing this off-season. The Red Devils should not head into next season relying on just Marcus Rashford at the striking position. They need to purchase a world-class alternative.
The starting French forward would certainly fit the bill. He was simply magnificent this season for Atletico leading Simeone’s squad with 22 goals in 38 league appearances. He could add serious power to Mourinho’s attack.
He also would provide Mourinho with a great deal of additional positional flexibility. Imagine an attacking trio of Rashford, Anthony Martial and Griezmann playing together. There might not be a better threesome anywhere outside of Barcelona or Real Madrid. It would certainly be the most talented attack in England.
Of course, it’s not as if Atletico are going to give Griezmann away without a fight. They clearly want to retain his services and have offered him a new contract as a result. Even so, they lack the financial might to keep him away from United if the English club are truly committed to making the purchase.
Griezmann would likely require a transfer fee of somewhere in excess of 60 million pounds. That isn’t a small fee by any means, but it’s a price that United can afford to pay this summer. They are certainly going to spend big money on a few new stars for Mourinho, and Griezmann is a superior player in comparison to many of their other rumored transfer targets.
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Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Manchester United may pay big dividends at Old Trafford before he ever manages a match for the club. The successful recruitment of Antoine Griezmann could be his first trophy of the summer.