Revealed: Why Antoine Griezmann’s Manchester United move collapsed

Atlético Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann would have moved to Manchester United this summer, were it not for the transfer ban imposed on the Spanish side for their illegal signing of underage players. That’s according to Griezmann’s former agent Eric Olhats, quoted in the Independent newspaper on Tuesday.

Under the terms of the transfer ban Atléti were still able to sell players, but according to Olhats, “Griezmann didn't feel able to leave Atlético. He's been integral to them and has shown his commitment to the club at a time when they couldn't sign players. Without the FIFA sanctions he would have gone.”

According to the Independent, United had even agreed personal terms with Griezmann, and were set to trigger the €100m release clause in the Frenchman’s contract. Diego Simeone’s side were reportedly planning on replacing him with Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette, who has since completed a move to Arsenal.

Of course, we’ve got no means of verifying whether this story’s true or not, but we can’t see any real reason Olhats stands to benefit from drawing attention to the apparent faithfulness of his former client. It wouldn’t be at all surprising if Griezmann had tickled José Mourinho’s fancy — especially with United having been long linked with a move. What do we reckon?