Is Antoine Griezmann playing his final year in Spain?

Anoine Griezmann – Destined for greateness / Image via sportkeeda.com

France forward Antoine Griezmann has had a stellar season behind him both for club and country and a year in front of us is designated to be further success for Atletico Madrid star, who keeps grabbing headlines with his impressive performances and, of course, goals.

He’s been with Los Colchoneros since 2014 and under Diego Simeone he was transformed into a world-class forward, but what does the future hold for the 25-year-old?

Latest rumours, predictions and assessments have it that this will be his final season in Spain.

Devils’ Call

Merely two days after the summer transfer window closed, a Rumour Mill has started working again. Its perpetual motion is once again causing commotion with Atletico Madrid star at the centre of it.

We all know that Jose Mourinho is a man with a plan. Like a professional chess player the Portuguese is thinking ahead, making bold predictions about future moves and dealings. And if rumours from England are to be believed, the Portuguese already has a clear plan in place.

Having brought Zlatan Ibrahimovic and world-record signing Paul Pogba, Jose Mourinho has apparently identified Antoine Griezmman as his top transfer target and a perfect replacement for Wayne Rooney. The 25-year-old forward is in Mourinho’s eyes the ideal long-term solution for Manchester United captain.

Rooney’s heir?

England captain who will be calling quits on his international career after the Russia 2018 World Cup is under heavy load for quite some time at United. Louis van Gaal struggled to find the best role for once a striker and now a makeshift midfielder Wayne Rooney.

Mourinho is known as less of a patient man than his teacher is and it is only a question of time when he will lose his grip when it comes to Wayne Rooney. His legacy and heritage aside, England captain has become one big burden for team’s play and finances alike.

With revolution already in motion at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney could be sacrificed for the greater good.

United’s Appeal

Having splashed €105 million to bring Paul Pogba back home, Manchester United will not back down from digging deep in their pockets once again in order to get anyone they want.

Atletico Madrid have achieved great success over the past few years which helped them restore respect and get out of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s shadow. However, Los Colchoneros are just not one of those clubs everybody dreams about. Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero, Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa will confirm as all of these players decided to pursue their career elsewhere once they’ve hit the rooftop at Atletico.

Manchester United, on the other hand, despite their recent struggles, are that kind of a club.

A global phenomenon, a financial giant, a club perceived by rival fans, players and managers around the world as world’s best. That all is Manchester United. A dream destination for many and even for a football nomad such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is bound to have huge appeal on Antoine Griezmann as well.

Money Not A Problem

A certain inevitability hovers around Vicente Calderon, giving Diego Simeone a huge headache, as Antoine Griezmann will eventually leave the club.

Atleti made sure it happened later rather than sooner with a new five-year contract signed in June 2016. A €100 million worth release clause was supposed to protect Atletico, but Manchester United will have no problems matching it next year which they clearly demonstrated with Paul Pogba.

When they want someone, they just come and take them.

Atleti Facing A Losing Battle

It is fair to conclude that Atletico Madrid are facing a losing battle. Slow start to the season does not work in their favour. Successive draws against newly promoted Alaves and Leganes have a way to get inside player’s head.

Manchester United, for their own part, have gone off to a flying start with supporters buzzing with excitement ahead of the 2016-17 campaign. Three successive triumphs, visually appealing performances and impressive team spirit are spreading infectious optimism early on.

Jose Mourinho’s men are currently at 11/4 betting odds to be crowned Premier League champions and there is no doubt that Old Trafford seem all the more attractive with Atletico Madrid struggles overpowering the enthusiasm Diego Simeone spent years to build.

Will Griezmann move to Manchester United next summer?