Antoine Griezmann, the French attacker and World Cup winner, is in talks with Major League Soccer club Orlando City about a possible transfer, according to a source close to the negotiations who spoke to AFP on Monday. The discussions involve the 34-year-old forward, who currently plays for Atletico Madrid and remains the highest scorer in the Spanish club’s history.
Griezmann’s Career and Current Role at Atletico Madrid
With a prolific career that includes 44 goals for the French national team and 210 goals for Atletico Madrid, Griezmann has been a significant figure in European football. Despite no longer being a guaranteed starter at Atletico, he has contributed 12 goals this season in 35 appearances. Griezmann extended his Madrid contract through June 2027 after returning from a three-year run with Barcelona between 2019 and 2022. He retired from international football earlier this year after 137 caps for France.
Orlando City’s Position in the MLS and Transfer Context
Orlando City holds Griezmann’s discovery rights, an MLS rule granting one team priority in negotiating a player’s signing, as verified by a source and reported by The Athletic. The current MLS season started recently, with the transfer window open until late March and expected to reopen mid-season during summer. Orlando City, which missed the playoffs last season, has experience securing high-profile players, with past signings including former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka.
Potential Impact and Future Prospects in MLS
The possible arrival of Griezmann would be a major boost for the growing profile of soccer in the United States. Though talks have occurred, “nothing has yet been agreed,” according to the source close to the player, signaling ongoing negotiations and uncertainty about the final outcome. Griezmann’s admiration for American sports leagues like the NBA and NFL has fueled speculation about his interest in moving abroad.
This potential transfer reflects the increasing appeal of MLS among prominent European players, and if completed, it could further raise the league’s competitive level and international standing.
“nothing has yet has been agreed.”
?Source close to the player
