Sportsmail understands that agreement is all-but finalised between the two clubs, but wage details still need to be worked out on both sides. Antoine Griezmann's (L) swap deal with Saul Niguez (R) is back on, with talks almost finalisedGriezmann had resisted leaving Barcelona after just two seasons and sources close to the player say he would not have left for any other club than Atletico, where he will reunite with Simeone. Saul has been the fall-guy in the last two seasons at Atletico, constantly moved from position to position, and frequently used at full-back where he feels least comfortable. The Saul–Griezmann swap helps them because the midfielder will earn less than the Frenchman and register as a reduction in their bloated wage bill. Sportsmail understands that Messi has agreed to take a 50 per cent pay-cut to sign a new five-year deal with Barcelona.

Source: The Nation July 14, 2021 15:56 UTC