The Catalans triggered the 28-year-old’s €120 million release clause, securing the World Cup winners’ transfer to Camp Nou from Atletico Madrid
Barcelona have added another attacking weapon after completing the signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid.
The French international was heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou last season, having shone in the Spanish capital with 94 goals in 180 appearances, but instead opted to stay in Diego Simeone’s setup.
Barca triggered the 28-year-old’s €120 million (£107 million) release clause at La Liga headquarters on Friday and are 4/6 (1.67) to defend their domestic title.
bet365 make Ernesto Valverde’s men 6/1 (7.0) second favourites behind Manchester City to win the Champions League in 2019-20.
While Real Madrid have tasted plenty of European success in recent years, the Catalan giants have dominated La Liga, topping the table in four of the last five campaigns.
Adding another attacking option with a proven track record at the elite level in Spain and internationally is a daunting prospect for the rest of Spain’s top tier.
Last season was Griezmann’s lowest in terms of scoring in La Liga with 15 goals, although he has reached that mark in each of the last six league campaigns.
Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid are Barca’s nearest challengers for next season’s domestic honours, priced at 11/8 (2.38) to win La Liga after a summer of investment.
Back under the stewardship of Zinedine Zidane, Los Blancos have spent big this summer adding Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy amongst others.
Having trailed Barcelona by 19 points in the final table though, there is plenty of work to be done if Zindane is to lead his side to another top-flight success.
Despite finishing second to Barca last time out, Atletico are 16/1 (17.0) outsiders to win the division.
Diego Simeone’s side have already secured the services of Joao Felix from Benfica in a deal worth €126 million (£113 million) but Atleti will feel the loss of their leading scorer in each of the last five seasons.
It has been 16 years since another other than Barcelona or the two leading Madrid clubs won La Liga. Valencia were the last team to buck that trend and Los Che are 100/1 (101.0) to repeat that victory next season. Sevilla (150/1), Villarreal (250/1) and Getafe (250/1) come next in the betting.
Any punters who foresee a team taking a significant lead in the Spanish top-flight would be well advised to consider bet365’s League Winner Early Pay-Out offer which is available until September 13. Full details are available here.
Odds correct at the time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.
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