Barcelona signs Griezmann and what that could mean for Neymar

FC Barcelona have triggered the buyout clause of Atletico Madrid star, Antoine Griezmann, which is reported to be 120 million Euros.

The player signs a five-year contract, effective until June 2024 with a staggering release clause of 800 million euros.

MADRID, SPAIN – DECEMBER 08: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Wanda Metropolitano on December 8, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The French international has had his heart set on an exit as he released a video of himself thanking Atletico Madrid for all their support.

He, however, deleted the video and was ordered by the club to refrain from such activities.

Barcelona had been reluctant to pay his release clause from Atletico Madrid although the deal has been on the table for months.

The World Cup winner finally earns his dream move to Barcelona after months of speculation.

But what does this transfer mean to Brazilian star Neymar and his hopes of returning to the Catalan giants?

The Brazilian has been playing hardball with Ligue 1 outfit, Paris Saint Germain, as he seeks an exit from the French club.

Neymar has refused to return to PSG after missing out on the Copa America due to an injury he sustained before the season started.

His refusal to return to the team for pre-season games has forced the Parisian club to release an official statement and also fine the boy from Brazil.

The 27-year-old earns €600,000 a week after tax at PSG and is reported to have agreed a pay cut in order to ensure that a move from PSG is completed this summer.

Barcelona have so far signed Frankie de Jong from Ajax, Neto from Valencia and Emerson from Atletico Mineiro.

Neymar will definitely not go cheap as PSG will be looking at breaking even on the price they paid for him when he signed for them in 2017.

The Brazilian forward cost them a world record fee of £198 million.

FC Barcelona could sign the former Santos player but will have to sell some others in order to beat Financial Fair Play rules.

With Philippe Coutinho reported to be up for sale, the Spanish champions can make enough to be able to re-sign Neymar.

However, a return to the Camp Nou for Neymar looks unlikely with Griezmann officially joining FC Barcelona.

The Samba boy may have to wait another year in order to return to Spain as Real Madrid are reported to be monitoring his situation.

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