The FC Barcelona's Failed Attempt to Sign Saúl Ñíguez and Antoine Griezmann

Last summer, FC Barcelona approached countless football players. Marco Verratti, Philippe Coutinho, Jean Michaël Seri, Ángel di María, and Riyad Mahrez are part of an extensive list that, as Onda Cero reported last night, also includes two players from Atlético de Madrid, midfielder Saúl Ñíguez and forward Antoine Griezmann.

In both cases, the Barça board showed their willingness to make a significant financial effort, but their attempts were unsuccessful due to both the poor management of president Josep María Bartomeu and the firm position taken by Atlético Madrid.

"In the summer, Bartomeu called Atlético Madrid and said he wanted to pay Saúl's clause because he thought it was €80 million, but Atlético informed him that after the latest renewal, it had increased to €150 million. Then, Bartomeu thought about Griezmann, but he found out that the clause was not €100 million anymore, but €200 million. Bartomeu even offered €140 million, but Atlético categorically refused," explained journalist José Ramón de la Morena.

NEWS @jrdelamorena Barcelona tried to sign Saúl this summer with the belief that his release clause was €80 million and Griezmann for €140 million

— El Transistor (@ElTransistorOC) September 18, 2017

Similarly, the broadcaster made it clear that the one who pushed for the offensive for these two players was none other than Leo Messi himself. Apparently, the Argentine believed that both players could give a considerable boost to the Catalan squad. "Both were considered at Messi's suggestion. Especially, Messi liked the idea of bringing in Griezmann," he added.

According to Messi, he proposed the club to sign Griezmann because he wanted to play alongside him

— El Transistor (@ElTransistorOC) September 18, 2017