Umtiti Admits Barcelona Players Have Not Discussed Griezmann

By Max Wise

Barcelona and France defender, Samuel Umtiti, has admitted that the prospect of international teammate, Antoine Griezmann, arriving at the Nou Camp from Atletico Madrid this summer has not been discussed among players of the Spanish champions.

Griezmann revealed recently that he will be departing Atletico Madrid after five seasons to seek a new challenge with Barcelona the frontrunners for his signature.

But Barcelona’s apparent interest in the world cup winner has cooled after reports emerged that senior players at the club, including Lionel Messi, had vetoed the Blaugrana’s move for Griezmann.

Griezmann was on the verge of joining Barcelona prior to last summer’s FIFA World Cup, but pulled the plug on the deal when he had a change of heart and decided to stay at the Wanda Metropolitano at the eleventh hour.

That seems to have angered senior figures at Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid’s president Enrique Cerezo, revealed earlier this week that he has not been contacted by the Spanish champions regarding a deal for Griezmann.

"I don't know where he's going, he didn't say,” said Cerezo. “I don't have the slightest idea where he will go. I don't think anyone knows. No one from Barca has contacted me.”

Asked by French outlet, RTL, about Griezmann’s future after France’s shock 2-0 away loss to Turkey in the EURO 2020 qualifiers on Saturday, Umtiti, who has been linked with a move away from Barcelona following an injury-plagued season replied: "Will he be at Barcelona? That's a very good question.”

“The truth is, I never heard anybody talk about him in our dressing room. Maybe I wasn't there when it happened.”