Every manager likes to do business before international tournaments whether it’s the World Cup or European Championships. Jose Mourinho is no different.
We have been strongly linked with a couple of players and if I was to take a guess at who we could sign before the World Cup in Russia, I’d take a small punt at Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred and FC Porto’s Diogo Dalot. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic of Serie A outfit Lazio sounds a little more difficult.
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However, there’s a blast from the past – 12 months ago – with Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann confirming that he will decide on his future before the World Cup.
The French attacker is under contract in the Spanish capital under 2022 but is widely expected to leave the Wanda Metropolitano in the coming months.
La Liga champions Barcelona has been favourites to get his signature, but on Thursday The Express claimed that Griezmann had rejected a move to the Camp Nou, leaving the Reds as favourites to land the 27-year-old this summer.
France’s first match of the World Cup is on Saturday 16thagainst Australia, which gives Griezmann just two weeks to sort out his future.
Speaking to Four Four Two, Griezmann said: “Yes, it will be done before the competition.”
Considering how long it takes United to work on a deal with Fred, I wouldn’t be too confident about seal a transfer this big in two weeks, but who knows with Paul Pogba (Agent P) on our side?
Griezmann has spent four seasons with Atletico Madrid and won the Europa League under Diego Simeone just last month. That was the perfect parting gift for the Atleti faithful.
Still, regardless of what the Express claims, I can’t see Griezmann ending up anywhere bar Barcelona. United need to focus on other areas of the team, too.
