Manchester United Planning Big Money Move For Barcelona Star: Right Man For Ole?

Manchester United are reportedly considering making a move for Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann.

The Red Devils have made two high-profile signings in the form of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane this summer. While Sancho is expected to join training with his new teammates on Monday, Varane is currently quarantining himself in Manchester due to the Covid-19 rules and regulations ahead of his medical.

According to Spanish news outlet TodoFichajes, Manchester United have already conveyed to Barcelona their intention to sign Antoine Griezmann and could soon present an offer.

Antoine Griezmann, 30, could be the next player to depart Camp Nou after the exit of Lionel Messi, whose move to Ligue 1 heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer is imminent. With a salary of € 36M gross, the France international is currently the highest-paid player at Barcelona and him parting ways would massively help the Catalan club in trimming their wage bill amidst the financial turmoil.

It hasn’t been plain sailing for Griezmann since his arrival at Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019. The 30-year-old forward has failed to live up to the lofty expectations of the club and fans so far. He had an underwhelming Euro 2020 with France, who were dumped out by Switzerland on penalties in the Round of 16.

Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United—Right Man For Ole?

Manchester United have bolstered their attacking options by bringing in Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund. Sancho will add pace, flair and energy to the Reds’ attack, helping Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side break down the teams with low-block that they struggled in doing so at times last season.

With the current attacking options, Solskjaer can use different combinations up front and set his team up in numerous ways. Anthony Martial’s return to full fitness from a knee injury sustained in March has served as a big boost to the Reds. The Frenchman played 45 minutes in United’s final pre-season friendly win over Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday, as he bids to get match fit before the season kicks off.

However, Inter Milan are eyeing a move for Martial to replace the Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku. United could sell the French forward if Inter table an offer of £50m. (h/t Sky Sports) This could then open up the possibility for the Reds’ to go for Antoine Griezmann.

Antoine Griezmann and Martial are players with a completely different set of profiles with their respective strengths and weaknesses. In Griezmann, though, United could get a versatile forward capable of playing in various positions across the front line.

The 30-year-old, who won the 2018 World Cup with France, is a natural creator and scorer of goals. Due to his flexibility, he could potentially link up well with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani and Sancho for United and wreak havoc against the opposition.

The France international’s move to Barcelona may not have worked out according to everyone’s expectations but he still remains a top player whose excellent attributes and volumes of experience could help him make an immediate mark at Old Trafford.

Considering the direction Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team is moving, Griezmann could be tempted by a move to Manchester United this summer.

But we feel any move for a player like Antoine Griezmann could only be launched if United lose any of their players between now and the end of the transfer window. The club will soon be looking for an out-and-out number 9 and will be wary of overspending on players who might not be necessities at this point in time.

Ole has preferred to target young players with their best years ahead of them. And launching a big-money move for the Barcelona man will be straying from their own set path. The plan seems to be clear and with the hierarchy continuing to back Ole, the future looks exciting for the Red Devils.