Griezmann returns to Atletico Madrid after transfer from Barcelona

Barcelona's Antoine Griezmann. (Bernat Armangue/AP)

Antoine Griezmann is leaving Barcelona and returning to his former club, Atletico Madrid, in a loan deal worth €10 million with a buy option for €40 million, according to ESPN.

Barcelona confirmed the move in a statement, without disclosing financial details, saying the transfer includes a clause to make the move permanent next season.

“FC Barcelona would like to thank Antoine Griezmann for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future,” a statement from the club reads.

Griezmann parted ways with Madrid to join Barcelona in 2019 via a massive €120-million deal, but failed to live up to lofty expectations at Camp Nou, scoring 22 goals over his two seasons there.

With the French international’s departure, Barcelona is now without both him and franchise icon Lionel Messi, who left the club to join Paris St. Germain earlier this month.

The club intends to bring in Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong on loan to replace its departed stars, according to ESPN.

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