Barca announce €120M Griezmann transfer, Atletico allege insufficient fee

The Antoine Griezmann transfer saga is finally over - or is it?

Barcelona announced the World Cup winner's move to the Catalan capital from Atletico Madrid on Friday. The 28-year-old has agreed to a five-year deal with the current La Liga holders, joining the Blaugrana after the triggering of his €120-million release clause.

Griezmann's terms with Barcelona feature an €800-million buyout clause.

But Atletico addressed the deal shortly after it was made official, claiming the club is owed more than the €120 million tabled by Barcelona because the transfer agreement occurred well before July 1, when Griezmann's buyout clause dropped from €200 million to €120 million.

"Atletico de Madrid believes that the termination of the contract happened before the end of the last season due to facts, acts, and demonstrations made by the player, and therefore has already initiated the procedures it has deemed appropriate to protect their rights and lawful interests," the club wrote in a statement.

Twice a third-place finisher in Ballon d'Or voting, Griezmann leaves Atletico after five decorated seasons highlighted by 94 league goals and the 2017-18 Europa League crown.

Griezmann's move to Barcelona has been a long time coming. The French attacker announced in May that he was leaving Madrid this summer despite agreeing to fresh five-year terms at the Wanda Metropolitano in June 2018.