LIGA - Report: Signing of Griezmann ruined Barca's economy

According to SPORT, Barcelona's purchase of Antoine Griezmann in the summer of 2019 was a major financial disaster for the club.

The 30-year-old Frenchman came at Camp Nou from arch-rivals Atletico Madrid two years ago in a €120 million transfer when Barca triggered his release clause, barely twelve months after he had controversially refused a move.

Griezmann was still signed because it was believed at the time that he would be a good fit for the squad under then-manager Ernesto Valverde. The decision did not win over many admirers, especially given the events of the previous year.

Because Barcelona had to activate his release clause, the club had to pay the whole €120 million in one go rather than in installments. However, the Catalans were unable to pay such a large sum in one go at the time, and were obliged to take out two separate loans.

According to the article, Barca received an investment fund credit of €85 million while borrowing another €35 million from a bank on a six-month loan, which has since been returned.

Furthermore, his annual salary of about €20 million were a significant drain on the club's resources at a time when income was down. What's more, the investment never appeared like it would pay off, as Griezmann struggled to find top gear in his first two seasons at the club.