World Cup winner rejects €50m-a-year Saudi Pro League offer
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 7 Sep 2023 03:41 CDT
- 3 min read
Antoine Griezmann rejected the chance to move to the Saudi Pro League this summer, despite being offered an “astronomical” contract worth €50 million per year.
Griezmann has a release clause of less than €25m on his Atletico Madrid contract, but the France international star elected to stay put in Spain.
L’Equipe reports that the 31-year-old was tempted by a huge offer from an unnamed Saudi Pro League side.
The 10 most expensive Saudi Pro League transfers of all time
The French source reports: “All summer, the Saudi Pro League looked to sign him, hoping to lure him into their net. The latest contract offer exceeded €50m net per season. It was an astronomical proposal that did not make the Frenchman deviate from his wish to stay with Atletico Madrid. The presence of Diego Simeone also played a big role.”
It is noted that the prospect of playing at Euro 2024 and also the Olympic Games in Paris is another factor behind his decision to remain in LaLiga for this season.
“There were calls, contact,” he confirmed while on France duty on Wednesday. “But I’m 15 goals away from breaking the record of Atletico Madrid goals scored. I told my sister Maud [who acts as one of his representatives], that we were not moving in order to break this record.
“It took me a while to win back the supporters after my time at Barcelona, so it wasn’t the best time to leave.”
MORE: Man Utd sent transfer bid from Saudi Pro League for €85m star
What is Griezmann's next move?
PSG also made an approach for the player but ultimately made no bid, while Griezmann has previously discussed the prospect of a transfer to MLS.
“I always said my goal was to finish there because I love American sports and I want to enjoy it while remaining competitive. But first, I want to continue making history and winning titles at Atletico,” he told ESPN.
He did hint, however, the Pro League tempts him.
"A player has a lifespan of 12 or 13 years if everything goes well," he said. "At 35, football stops. I will have to think about whether to accept these offers if this ever happens to me. The numbers in Saudi Arabia are very, very big and they can change the life of your family."
Another huge offer from Saudi next summer might be too much for Griezmann to resist.
