BARCELONA attempted to swap £108million flop Antoine Griezmann for Joao Felix – but were knocked back by Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The LaLiga giants are in disarray with Lionel Messi set to quit the club, a hoard of players to be sold and a new boss.
Barcelona tried to swap Griezmann for Felix before Setien’s sacking, say Marca
Griezmann is now set to take on a starring role under Ronald Koeman
But before Ronald Koeman took over, Quique Setien attempted to send Griezmann back to Atleti in return for youngster Felix.
Marca claim Setien launched the audacious transfer bid shortly before their 8-2 Champions League quarter-final dismantling at the hands of a rampant Bayern Munich.
Griezmann was often played out of position by Setien, with the 2018 World Cup-winner failing to replicate the form that made him one of the best on the planet at Atletico Madrid.
And Setien hoped to use Griezmann’s relationship with Atleti to sign Felix – who himself only joined Los Rojiblancos a year ago in a £112m deal.
With both named in Marca’s Flops of the Season after enduring tricky debut terms at their new clubs, Setien had hoped to take advantage of the situation.
However, Barcelona were swiftly knocked back by Atleti who are thought to be looking to the future, not the past.
Barca not only hoped it would help their long-term success, but hoped it would shave a whopping £12m a year off their wage bill.
Griezmann earns around £15m per season at the Nou Camp, while Felix earns just £3m.
Since Setien’s failed move, Griezmann has been named on Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s “untouchables” list.
And the French forward has also been promised a “bigger role” by Koeman, who is set to finally play him in his preferred position.
Barcelona had hoped to bring Joao Felix to the club before Koeman took over
Last week, the Dutch boss said: “With all my respect, Griezmann must play in his position.
“It is not extreme. You have to play in your position.
“This is most important part of being a coach; knowing your players well and getting the most out of them.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
