Antoine Griezmann to MLS? Orlando City Links Emerge
Griezmann to Orlando City? Talks Underway for Atletico Star
Antoine Griezmann, the French World Cup-winning attacker currently playing for Atletico Madrid, is in discussions with Orlando City Soccer Club of Major League Soccer, sources close to the negotiations confirmed Monday.
While nothing has been finalized, a source close to the player told AFP on Tuesday that “talks had taken place,” confirming reports from The Athletic. Griezmann, 34, has long been linked with a move to MLS and is known to admire American sports and culture.
Orlando City holds Griezmann’s “discovery rights,” a mechanism within MLS that grants a team priority in negotiating a player’s transfer. The Florida club’s sporting leadership has reportedly made multiple trips to Spain to progress discussions, according to sources.
Despite no longer being a guaranteed starter for Atletico Madrid, Griezmann remains a significant contributor, having scored 12 goals in 35 appearances this season. He has a total of 210 goals for the LaLiga club across multiple stints, interrupted by a period with Barcelona from 2019-2022.
Griezmann extended his contract with Atletico Madrid last year through June 2027, but has openly expressed his desire to play in MLS. “Everyone knows that MLS is my dream and my goal,” he stated in an interview with AS at the end of last year.
The potential transfer would represent a significant boost for the rapidly growing US soccer league, particularly with the United States co-hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. Orlando City has a history of attracting high-profile players, including former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka.
However, Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo expressed surprise at the reports, stating he was unaware of any ongoing negotiations. “For the truth, when I read this information this morning, it surprised me,” Cerezo said. “Griezmann is a player of Atlético, loved by our fans, and necessary for the team, as he has demonstrated in recent matches.”
Griezmann has been a key figure for Atletico, winning the Europa League in 2018 and consistently contributing goals and assists. He retired from the French national team in 2024 after 137 appearances and 44 goals, but speculation persists about a potential return for the 2026 World Cup.
The MLS transfer window is currently open until late March, with a second window opening mid-season in July. Orlando City failed to qualify for the playoffs last season but is clearly aiming to make a statement with a potential acquisition of a player of Griezmann’s caliber.
Inter Miami was also reportedly interested in signing Griezmann, but were unable to pursue the deal due to already having three designated players on their roster.