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Atletico Madrid bought Antoine Griezmann in the 2014 summer transfer window from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £27 million, which turned out to be the best £27 million ever spent in the history of the club. He was an instant success in the Spanish capital. In his first season, he scored 25 goals and provided 6 assists. He continued with his terrific form during the 2015/2016 season in which he scored 32 goals and provided 9 assists in all competitions.
Antoine Griezmann is now in the company of elite footballers after finishing 3rd in the Balon d'Or twice in 3 years. He is considered one of the best footballers in the world right now and is tipped to reach the levels of Messi and Ronaldo.
The Frenchman is wanted by the best clubs across Europe but has proven his loyalty to the Atletico Madrid board and supporters by rejecting Manchester United in 2017 due to Atletico's transfer window ban. He also rejected Barcelona a year later.
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But now reports suggest that Griezmann regrets not moving away from Atletico Madrid last summer and will be looking for a move away from the Spanish capital in the summer. Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the player and will be keeping a close eye on the situation. Barcelona is also said to be interested in the player.
But Griezmann should sign for Manchester United rather than Barcelona, and here are 3 reasons why:
#3 To play alongside his mate Paul Pogba:
Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba are best friends on and off the field and play together for France. Griezmann has publicly made his desire known to play alongside Paul Pogba at club level. In an interview back in 2018, he was quoted saying
"It’s true that I’m tempted to play with him( Paul Pogba) at club level one day and dedicate more time to him. He really is a very good friend."
A creative influence like Paul Pogba will definitely help Antoine Griezmann improve his goal-scoring and will take his game to the next level while their off-pitch chemistry will also help Griezmann settle quickly at Manchester United. Paul Pogba isn't leaving Manchester United anytime soon and if Griezmann wants to fulfil his dream of playing alongside his mate, he will have to join him at Old rafford.
#2 To test himself in another country
Griezmann left France to begin his professional career in Spain at the age of 14 with Real Sociedad. He has played in Spain for the past 14 years and now is the right time for the the 28-year-old to take on the challenge of testing himself in another league. Manchester United will provide him with the opportunity to compete in the best league in the world.
The Premier League has earned a lot of reputation during the past few years and attracted some of the finest superstars on the planet. The English top division is defined by its fast, intense football and huge competition which would be a different experience for Griezmann
That is one of the reasons why the attacker should stay away from joining Barcelona and instead, choose Manchester United.
#1 To win the Balon d'Or
Griezmann has come close twice to lifting the prestigious Balon d'Or but missed out on both occasions. The 28-year old French international is at the peak of his career and will want to lift the individual honour at least once.
He will never be able to do it at Barcelona, especially when Messi is still at the club. Players leave Barcelona to get out of Messi's shadow and get recognition and Griezmann must be aware of the fact. But Manchester United can give him that opportunity. The club is in transition under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and will be ready to compete for major honours in a year or two.
Griezmann will be the star of the team and will be under the limelight all the time at Manchester United. If the Frenchman can help the Red Devils get back to the glory days, his chances of lifting the Balon d'Or will be significantly high.
