El Transistor: Barça tried to take Saul & Griezmann from Atletico
The Catalan club were keen on the Spain midfielder & the France striker
In both cases, the new buyout clauses proved prohibitive for Barcelona
Barcelona tried to sign Atletico Madrid stars Saul Niguez and Antonie Griezmann in the summer, according to 'El Transistor' on Onda Cero.
Barça had a complicated summer with the loss of Neymar and the contract status of Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta and were looking at ways to strengthen their squad.
With this background, the Catalan club were ready to pay Saul's 80 million euro buyout clause. But the midfielder renewed his deal with Atletico and the clause increased to 150 million, which was deemed too much.
In fact, SPORT.es reported on Barça's interest at the time and of how the club made their move for the Spain international.
He wasn't the only player Barça wanted from Atletico, either, according 'El Transistor', who report of a move for France star Antoine Griezmann.
The obstacle, once again, was the newly increased clause, from 100 million euros to 200 million euros. Barça would have paid 140 million, but Atletico would have rejected. According to José Ramón de la Morena, Messi had backed the signing.
However, upon the closing of the transfer window earlier this month, Griezmann's clause returned to 100 million euros.
