The signing of Antoine Griezmann has divided opinion at FC Barcelona
The forward has been whistled regularly at the Camp Nou and recent polls suggest the fan base doesn't want him to join the club
After the news Ernesto Valverde would remain in charge of Barça for next season, it now appears another controversial decision is going to cause even further divide at the club.
Divided opinion
That divide is because of Antoine Griezmann's potential arrival. He told Atletico Madrid, via a video, that he would be leaving the club this summer after coming close to doing that just 12 months ago. He cited new challenges as the reason behind his change of heat. On the 1st July, he'll deposit his €120m buyout clause and become the hottest free agent on the market.
It's clear that Griezmann wouldn't do this unless he had a guarantee he'd be playing for another club next season. According to 'El Larguero', that club is FC Barcelona. The radio station says a deal was confirmed back in March and they have proof of the documents being exchanged.
And that's where the problem lies. No one can question Griezmann's talent but he is hardly a signing which is going to excite the fan base. In fact, the last time he stepped out onto the Camp Nou pitch he put in an awful performance and was whistled by supporters throughout. And all the recent polls conducted about this potential move has been met with negativity.
Issues in the dressing room too
But those problems don't just stop there. His potential arrival hasn't gone down well with the current Barça squad either. A lot of the senior members of the squad are unhappy with how Griezmann announced his decision to remain at Atletico last season, dragging Barça on before ultimately ignoring their advances.
The board is also divided. Once again, 'La Decision' goes against him. And secondly, the price. Some members of the board feel €120m is paying over the odds and would rather negotiate the fee down with Atletico, perhaps offering a player in exchange.
Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barça's president, is taking control of the deal just as he did with De Jong and is doing so with De Ligt.
It appears whatever happens with Griezmann, it isn't going to please everyone. And spending €120m to cause a problem doesn't sound like the smartest idea.
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