Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad Readies $27 Million to Pay Antoine Griezmann’s Release Clause to Atletico Madrid: Reports

Antoine Griezmann is having the season of his life. Following a disappointing spell at Barcelona, the French attacker is back to his best at Atletico. His performances have not gone unnoticed as many of the top clubs around the world are queuing up for his signature. An interesting club among them is perhaps Al Ittihad, the club of his former international teammate Karim Benzema.

With 8 goals in 12 games this campaign, Griezmann is challenging for the Golden Boot despite playing as a number 10. Proof of his immense game intelligence. With 28 points in 12 games, Atletico are 6 points off league leaders Girona while having a game in hand. If they are to win the La Liga, then Griezmann will have a pivotal role.

Antoine Griezmann set for a reunion with Karim Benzema?

As per the latest reports, Al Ittihad wants the Atletico man and wants his services secured as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, they are willing to trigger the $27 million release clause of the attacker in January. Interestingly this will also reunite Griezmann with Karim Benzema. What’s important to note however is that both Griezmann and Benzema are players with incredibly similar characteristics. Despite playing as a striker, both like to drop deep and link up play. It is no surprise that Griezmann’s best form with France came when Benzema was out of the team. Hence, the question remains of how Al-Ittihad plans to integrate the attackers into the lineup.

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The most likely possibility is that Griezmann will be playing in the hybrid midfield role as he has done for Atletico this season. If that’s the case, then Al Ittihad could field a midfield 3 of Griezmann, Kante, and Fabinho while having Benzema upfront. This might be the boost Al Ittihad needed after their recent slump in form which even prompted a managerial change.

Al Ittihad set for a managerial change

Despite having players like Benzema, Kante, and Fabinho, Al Ittihad did not start the season brightly. Hence, manager Nuno Espirito Santo was relieved from his duties. There were also reports of a confrontation between star player Benzema and Nuno. Could this have also resulted in the dismissal of the Portuguese tactician? Anyway, former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo is the one to take over from Nuno.

His 8-year spell at River Plate saw him win 2 Copa Libertadores among other trophies. Gallardo is a coach who values possession and attacking soccer. A key quality of Gallardo is that he values technical ability and gives players the freedom to express their creativity and flair. Could this explain the sudden links to Antoine Grizemann? After all, he is very much in the mould of a Gallardo player.

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