Orlando City SC is currently negotiating to acquire Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, according to sources from ESPN.
Griezmann is under contract with Atlético until 2027, yet his representatives are engaged in ongoing discussions with the MLS club regarding a potential transfer. However, no agreement has been reached as of now between Griezmann and Orlando City.
Griezmann has shown a strong interest in joining the North American league, expressing to ESPN that playing in MLS is a goal. Earlier reports in March suggested a potential move to LAFC before he chose to re-sign with Atlético.
“I’ve always said it; my goal is to end up [in MLS],” Griezmann told ESPN in 2023. “It’s my objective to be there and finish my career there while enjoying the sport. I’m a big fan.”
The timeline for any potential move remains uncertain, especially with Griezmann slated to participate with France at the World Cup this summer in North America. However, sources indicate that the decision on whether to join Orlando City now or during the summer transfer window is ultimately up to the player.
Griezmann is in his second spell with Atlético Madrid, having scored 69 goals in 187 matches across all competitions since rejoining the club in 2021. He started his professional career in Spain with Real Sociedad in 2009, proceeded to join Atlético for the first time, and later played for Barcelona.
After spending three seasons at Barcelona, Griezmann returned to Atlético in 2021, initially on loan before making a permanent transfer.
On the club front, Griezmann has enjoyed success with both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, winning the 2014 Supercopa de España, the 2017-18 Europa League, and the 2018 Super Cup with Atlético, as well as the 2021 Copa del Rey with Barcelona.
Internationally, Griezmann was part of the victorious 2018 French national team that claimed the FIFA World Cup and also contributed to the team winning the 2020-21 Nations League. His impressive performances earned him third place in the Ballon d’Or rankings in 2016 and 2018.
This report includes contributions from ESPN writer Jeff Carlisle.