Griezmann Barca link angers agent of Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho’s agent has tried to dampen down speculation that Antoine Griezmann will replace the Brazilian at Barcelona.
Griezm ann has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after announcing he will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season.
That development led to reports that Coutinho, having failed to hit top form since arriving at Barca last year from Liverpool, could be sold to accommodate the France forward.
But C out in ho’ s agent Andrea B er to lu cc it old AS: “It’s untrue that Griezmann is going to replace Philip peat Barcelona. I don’t know why they are saying that. I don’t know about that and that’s why I don’t want to talk anymore, but it’s false.”
Griezmann told Atletico on Tuesday that he had decided not to stay for a sixth season with the club and that he wants to “see different things, face other challenges”.
“It wasn’t easy to make this decision, but it’s what I feel and what I need,” the 28-year-old said. “I want to thank everyone for their support during these five years with the club where I’ve won my first important trophies.”
Griezmann joined from Real Sociedad in 2014 and helped At le ti co win last year’s Europa League.
Griezmann, who scored 133 goals in more than 250 matches with Atletico, did not give any hints about his future but he has been widely linked with a move to Barcelona, with some Spanish media saying he has already reached a deal with the Catalan club.
Griezmann is contracted with Atletico until 2023 and has a buyout clause of €120 million (£108m).