Antoine Griezmann has signed a new five-year contract at Atletico Madrid. His new deal ends any hope of Premier League clubs landing the Frenchman’s signature this summer.
Griezmann’s signature comes on the back of countless rumours of the forward leaving for Barcelona. It was also believed Manchester United were interested in signing the Frenchman and at one point, the Red Devils were closer to Griezmann’s signature than the Catalans.
Griezmann has been excited by the project Atletico and manager Diego Simeone have been building since 2011. Under Simeone, Atletico have won a La Liga title, Copa del Rey, two Europa League trophies and a UEFA Super Cup.
Atletico have also dented Premier League teams’ hopes of signing Monaco winger Thomas Lemar. The winger will join Atletico for next term. Currently, Monaco and Atletico have an agreement that will be finalised following the World Cup.
The good news for Atletico supporters continues as the club has agreed on a contract extension with Lucas Hernandez. The deal will keep the full-back at the club until 2024.
The capital club was expected to rebuild ahead of next term with the loss of Griezmann. Now, Atletico will be considered as a favourite to win domestic honours and even the Champions League. Last term, Simeone led the club to a second place La Liga finish.
Last summer, the club was banned from making any transfers. The lack of new players made the club’s plight in the Champions League difficult and was part of the reason it failed to make the knockout stages. Now, Atletico have been able to prepare properly for next term by signing Lemar and keeping ahold of their best player.