With news that Louis van Gaal could be lining up an exciting summer transfer market move to bring Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann to Manchester United, here’s a look at five facts Red Devils fans should know about their possible new signing…
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Manchester United transfer rumours
1) He’s been in Spain since he was 14
While on trial with Montepellier as a youngster, Antoine Griezmann was spotted by Real Sociedad scouts who invited him for a trial in Spain. In the end, his trial was extended until he was finally offered a chance to join the club, which he did at the age of just 14. He has been in Spain ever since.
2) Extremely prolific for a winger
Something to get United fans excited – Griezmann has an excellent goalscoring record from out wide, almost comparable with Cristiano Ronaldo in his days as a youngster at Old Trafford. In his last 96 games in La Liga, both this season and last for Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad, the 24-year-old has a highly impressive 43 goals from the flanks, playing either on the left or right to good effect and scoring some fine individual efforts.
3) Tied down to a long-term contract
The bad news – he may prove difficult to sign given his contract situation. Griezmann only joined Atletico last summer and has had an excellent first season, meaning Atletico are unlikely to let him go easily, and are under no pressure to do so as he signed a six-year contract upon joining, tying him to the club until the end of the 2019/20 season.
4) Missed by French coaches
Although he is now an established member of the French national team, it took some time for his talents to be recognised by French coaches due to his playing in Spain from a young age. Griezmann only made his fell debut for France last year, though this did earn him a place in their World Cup squad, and he now has five goals in sixteen caps for his country.
5) Euro 2010 Under-19 winner
Despite not yet showing his abolute best form for France at senior level, Griezman is a European Championship winner at Under-19 level, helping Les Bleus to victory as they hosted the tournament in 2010.