3 reasons Barcelona should not sign Antoine Griezmann

#1. There are better, younger and less expensive alternatives

Werner is one of a handful of talented young forwards better suited to Barca long-term than Griezmann

Ok, this is a bold statement but hear me out. Barcelona are a brilliant but flawed side. Lionel Messi is ageing, Luis Suarez declining and the majority of their core are the wrong side of 30. In recent seasons, they've invested heavily in talented youth. Ousmane Dembele, Jean-Clair Todibo, Malcom, Arthur are all 22 or younger, while the incoming Emerson (20) and Frenkie de Jong (22) are all prime examples of their vision for the future.

Signing Griezmann, especially by activating his buyout clause, would completely contradict all of their promising work. He turned 28 in March and already finds himself in the peak years of his career. There are better and less expensive alternatives that would prove both profitable and reliable attacking outlets long-term.

Who, I hear you ask? RB Leipzig's Timo Werner, Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus and Inter's Lautaro Martínez to name three. None of them are world-class yet, but there's no reason they cannot flourish in similar circumstances to Griezmann at the Camp Nou over the next 12-18 months.

Werner (23) continues to flourish in the Bundesliga, while Lautaro Martínez (21) has settled well to life in Italy this term. Jesus (22) meanwhile, is somewhat of a forgotten man given his limited chances under Pep Guardiola this term but arguably the best of the trio.

Some have already suggested it's time for him to make a fresh start elsewhere and play regularly. Who's to say he cannot replicate Kylian Mbappe-like productivity numbers with renewed faith in Spain alongside further quality teammates and regular opportunities to shine?

In a side with Messi, you will create countless chances to score every game. I'm not convinced Griezmann is what they need - despite his versatility to play across the frontline. He's not a lethal finisher and the three I've just mentioned are all out-and-out centre forwards.

Dembele, Malcom and Philippe Coutinho all vying for places on the flank, the last thing Barca need right now is another player to clog up Ernesto Valverde's selection headaches every week. Instead, a bonafide acquisition tasked with a clear responsibility that can be trusted - say, Jesus, would make more sense in the long-run. The real question for Griezmann remains: is he ready to step up? Despite his quality, a lot of the signs suggest otherwise.