Barcelona do not expect repeat of Manchester United transfer situation - Guillem Balague
BARCELONA do not believe Antoine Griezmann will repeat his decision to snub Manchester United and instead secure a move to the Nou Camp.
That’s according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, who says the Atletico Madrid star wants his future sorted before the World Cup.
Griezmann is set to be one of the world’s hottest properties when the transfer window reopens at the end of the season.
And a move to Barcelona has been widely touted, with some reports suggesting the 27-year-old has already agreed to head to Catalunya.
Balague has now dismissed that speculation but revealed Barcelona are confident of wrapping up a deal for Griezmann - who turned down United last year.
"Well he has not signed so until he does you never know," Balague told Sky Sports, when asked if Griezmann is heading to Barcelona.
"It’s worth remembering that Manchester United were close to him and he decided to change his mind at the last minute.
"But you have to say that Barcelona think they have done enough to convince him.
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"I know there have been stories in recent days which claim Atletico Madrid have convinced him to stay but those, in my opinion, are designed to put him under pressure.
"Griezmann wants his future sorted before the World Cup, so let’s see if he manages to do so. Barca are of course favourites."
This season Griezmann has scored 26 goals in all competitions for Atletico, who sit second to Barcelona in La Liga.
He’ll be eager to fire Diego Simeone’s side to Europa League glory, with a semi-final tie against Arsenal to come.