How Lionel Messi Could Help Man United Sign High-Profile Forward
REUTERS/Sergio Perez
More and more over the past few years, the importance of figures and the sheer influence they exercise over the game has been rising.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have become that big a part of their respective outfits, that their simple opinions are often taken into consideration prior to taking vital decisions, even if they are the silliest ones.
A similar situation seems to be on the cards yet again for Barcelona, and its outcome could be one that positively affects Man United’s pursuits.
News of the possibility of Antoine Griezmann joining Barcelona has been quite prominent over the past few weeks, with speculation claiming both good and bad over the potential future of Griezmann at the Camp Nou.
However, according to Diario Gol, Messi feels the arrival of the Frenchman would push his partner in crime, Luis Suarez, significantly down the pecking order. As of such, the popular striker is believed to have conveyed to the La Liga giants that such a move would not be favored.
Further, this development has seemed to have irked Griezmann quite a bit, for obvious reasons. If this indeed proves to be the case, then the likelihood of Man United being the side to acquire the services of the 26-year-old seems high.
However, all of it does come despite Diego Simeone’s statement regarding the player’s future: “I believe in what I see, and what I see is a player that is motivated and is convinced by being with us.
“He took a risk playing against Alaves after having missed the match against Betis due to injury. He has trained really hard despite being 100% fit. I see that he is determined and well integrated with his teammates.
“He is a fundamental player for us and things are very good between him and the rest of the squad.”
So where will Griezmann play when the new-year rises: Old Trafford, Camp Nou, stay put in Madrid, or somewhere else entirely?
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.