Griezmann Expected To Join United After Europa Win

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is expected to join Manchester United, after the club’s victory in the Europa League final over Ajax.

Griezmann has been linked with United for quite some time, but with Wednesday’s victory ensuring the Red Devils will be back in the Champions League, it is likely the Frenchman will make the move come summer.

Atletico’s star striker had been rumoured to move to Old Trafford all season, and the speculation reached new heights during the January transfer window. Though the move did not happen during that time, the links refused to die down.

After United beat Ajax 2-0 at Stockholm, James Ducker, a correspondent of the Telegraph, specialising in the Manchester giants City and United, tweeted that it was likely Griezmann would move.

 

https://twitter.com/TelegraphDucker/status/867486372151644161

 

The France international is expected to leave for his honeymoon with his wife Erika Choperena in the summer. As Ducker tweeted, he would get this business done before he leaves.

While speculation was doing the rounds about the No.7’s move to England, two issues were expected to scupper the move. One of them was the reported £85 million release clause that United had to activate. However, the English giants are looking to rebuild under Jose Mourinho, and they are not afraid to splash the cash to bring in quality, as was the case of Paul Pogba.

The other roadblock was United’s involvement in the Champions League. The team finished sixth in the Premier League, and did not qualify for the tournament directly. But with the Europa League victory, they make it to Europe’s elite competition. Griezmann now also does not have to worry about playing in the best tournaments.

The player himself seems ready to make the move. He has dropped several hints recently, having claimed that the chances of joining United were ‘6 out of 10’. He also said: “I’ve reached a point where playing nice football and scoring goals isn’t enough anymore. That’s it. Winning titles is what I’m looking for this summer, when deciding my future.”

United have won three trophies this season – the FA Community Shield, the EFL Cup, and the Europa League.