Griezmann's tactics as an announcement on his future nears

Antoine Griezmann's silence could last a few more hours. The France forward revealed a few days ago that he's made his mind up on his future and it looks set to be confirmed before his debut in the World Cup with his country on Saturday, against Australia. 

It seems the play will only communicate if he's decided to abandon Atletico Madrid... or if he will continue with them and accept their offer of a new contract. And he will not go beyond that to avoid problems, even though it's obvious that if he decides to leave it will be to sign for FC Barcelona. 

Griezmann's intention is to explain in the coming hours the reasons he's reached his decision. It's unlikely there will be a public appearances and, for that reason, those in Russia covering France won't get the chance to ask questions. 

The Atletico player will not communicate that there have been negotiations with Barça or any other club. That's because both he and, above all, the Catalan club would be exposed to punishment from FIFA given he has a contract with the Rojiblanco. It's a complicated contractual puzzle and things must be approached carefully. In fact, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has said various times he would report Barça to FIFA for an illegal approach. However, in Spanish football there are release clauses and they can obviously be executed once the transfer market opens, regardless of any contract situation. 

JULY 1 

Following Griezmann's announcement. if he finally confirms that he's leaving Atletico, things will still drag on for a few more weeks. Barça will only move on July 1, when his release clause dips from 200 million to 100 million euros. 

The club's intention would be to negotiate with Atletico, to pay more but in installments. Hopefully that would boost the relationship between the clubs, too. In any case, the signing of Griezmann would only be made official when the World Cup ends, not before. 

Optimism

Barça are moderately optimistic after the most recent contact with the player's people, which includes his sister and his lawyer. In the offices on Arístides Maillol they're convinced the player will move to Camp Nou despite the pressure which has been applied by Atletico Madrid -- thay have offered a huge new deal. Griezmann's silence is annoying Atletico but they also have hope that he will play for them next season. Everything should be resolved in the next three days. Don't blink.