French striker Antoine Griezmann, who was formerly at Barcelona, has returned to Atletico Madrid on a deal that runs until 2026.
When Griezmann signed with Barcelona for £108 million in 2019, he rose to the sixth-most expensive player in history.
Before returning to Atletico on a two-year loan at the beginning of the previous season, he scored 35 goals in 102 games.
In 11 games thus far this season, the 31-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists, although just three of those outings have been starts.
According to Spanish football reporter Guillem Balague, there was a clause in Griezmann’s loan contract that would oblige Atletico to buy the forward for 40m euros should he play more than 45 minutes in more than 50% of their games.
In response, Atletico boss Diego Simeone has used Griezmann as a substitute after 60 minutes in eight of his 11 appearances this season to ensure that clause was not triggered.
Griezmann could make his first appearance back as a permanent Atletico Madrid player against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The 2018 World Cup winner is the fourth-highest scorer in the club’s history with 144 goals in 304 appearances over two spells, having initially joined from Real Sociedad in 2014.
He was won the Europa League, Spanish Super Cup and Uefa Super Cup during his time at Wanda Metropolitano.
