Antoine Griezmann has rejoined Atlético Madrid in a shock move from Barcelona on a season’s loan with an obligation for the transfer to become permanent for €40m (£34.4m).
Griezmann previously spent five seasons with Atletico, becoming their fifth top scorer of all time. However, Barcelona admired him for a long time and finally managed to prise him away in 2019. But it was a move that never worked out for either party, bringing just 35 goals.
In a club release confirming Griezmann’s departure, Barca confirmed that Atletico would be obligated to sign the attacker permanently.
"FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the loan of Antoine Griezmann for a season with the option of a further season," the statement said.
"The Madrid club will pay the player's wages and there is a compulsory permanent transfer clause.
"FC Barcelona would like to thank Antoine Griezmann for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future.
Griezmann's only major trophy with Atletico was the 2018 Europa League, having signed for Diego Simeone's men from Real Sociedad shortly after their surprise 2014 league title triumph.
He won the Copa del Rey with Barca last term, scoring the opening goal in the final against Athletic Bilbao.
But Griezmann's stay at the Camp Nou was largely underwhelming, with the 2018 World Cup winner netting just 22 times in 74 league matches for the Catalan giants.
Barcelona's difficult financial situation led to a number of big names leaving the club over the summer – none bigger, of course, than Lionel Messi, who joined PSG on a free transfer.
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The club also sold Junior Firpo to Leeds United before seeing Ilaix Moriba join RB Leipzig and Emerson Royal move to Tottenham on deadline day.
Griezmann's departure capped a difficult spell for the Blaugrana, who have been crippled by financial mismanagement.