Barcelona rekindle interest in Griezmann in wake of Liverpool loss

Barcelona have rekindled their interest in Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann ahead of the summer transfer window, claims Le Parisien.

The Spanish champions expected to sign Griezmann last summer but the 2018 World Cup winner performed a remarkable u-turn on his future for the second year running to reject the Blaugrana.

It has since been reported that Griezmann regrets his decision and Barcelona’s astonishing Champions League semi-final defeat has worked in his favour.

Ernesto Valverde’s future as Barcelona head coach is now in doubt and the Spanish side plan to sign Griezmann to bolster their offensive options for the new season.

Barcelona want to sign a long-term successor for Luis Suarez, while neither Ousmane Dembele nor Philippe Coutinho can be depended upon.

Griezmann can perform centrally and out wide and his signature is seen as one that would solve a lot of Barcelona’s issues in attacks for the new season.

Part of the 28-year-old’s bumper new Atletico deal saw Griezmann’s release clause double to €200m but that will drop to €120m after July 1.

Barcelona are currently operating close to their financial threshold and there are already suggestions they will have to sell three big names in order to afford Ajax duo Frankie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.

Griezmann is so determined to join Barcelona that he will reportedly accept a pay-cut on his current Atletico deal to secure a move.

The Atletico No.7 has played a direct hand in 24 goals in 35 league games this season and is the sixth highest WhoScored rated player in La Liga (7.32).