Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City? French Star in Talks for MLS Move
The possibility of Antoine Griezmann, one of France’s most decorated footballers, joining Major League Soccer is gaining momentum. Reports indicate that Orlando City SC is engaged in advanced discussions with the Atlético Madrid forward, potentially bringing the 2018 World Cup winner to Florida. This move, if finalized, would represent a significant coup for Orlando City and a major boost for the profile of MLS as it prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada.
Discussions between Orlando City and Griezmann’s representatives have been ongoing for some time, with club Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira reportedly making multiple trips to Spain to negotiate a deal, according to sources cited by The Athletic. While no agreement is currently in place, the Florida-based club is prioritizing Griezmann as they seek to fill their open Designated Player spot. The 34-year-old’s long-stated desire to experience American culture and play in MLS adds further weight to the possibility of a transfer before the primary transfer window closes on March 26th.
A Long-Held Ambition for Griezmann
Griezmann has consistently expressed his admiration for the United States and its sporting landscape, particularly the NBA. He has been a frequent visitor to the country, often attending basketball games and openly discussing his ambition to play in MLS. “Everyone knows that MLS is my dream and my goal,” Griezmann stated in an interview with AS at the complete of last year, as reported by Fox Sports. This long-held interest makes Orlando City a particularly attractive destination for the veteran forward.
The allure of Griezmann extends beyond his on-field talent. He is a proven goalscorer, having netted 12 goals in 35 appearances for Atlético Madrid this season, despite not being an automatic starter. He remains a key component of Diego Simeone’s squad, who are on the verge of qualifying for the Copa del Rey final. Throughout his career, Griezmann has amassed an impressive resume, including a World Cup title with France in 2018, where he scored four goals and added two assists in seven matches. He is also the all-time leading scorer for Atlético Madrid with 210 goals.
Orlando City’s Advantage: Discovery Rights
Orlando City holds a crucial advantage in the pursuit of Griezmann: they possess his MLS discovery rights. This mechanism grants the club the first opportunity to sign the player, preventing other MLS teams from directly negotiating with him. While Inter Miami, home to Lionel Messi, reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Griezmann, they were unable to pursue a deal due to already having three Designated Players on their roster. According to reports, at least four MLS clubs have expressed interest, but Orlando’s discovery rights position them as the frontrunners.
Orlando City has a history of attracting high-profile players. The club famously brought Kaká, the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner, to MLS in 2015, and later signed former Portugal winger Nani, who spent three seasons with the club from 2019 to 2021. Adding Griezmann to this list would further elevate the club’s profile and signal a commitment to competing at the highest level. The club finished ninth in the Eastern Conference in 2026, and a player of Griezmann’s caliber could significantly improve their chances of success.
Atlético Madrid’s Position and the Transfer Window
While Griezmann is under contract with Atlético Madrid until June 2027, having signed an extension last year, the possibility of a move to MLS is very real. Atlético president Enrique Cerezo acknowledged the reports, stating, “We are not aware of anything…When I read this information this morning, it surprised me. Griezmann is a player of Atlético, adored by our fans, and necessary for the team, as he has demonstrated in recent matches.” Yet, this statement doesn’t entirely dismiss the possibility of a transfer, and the ongoing discussions suggest a deal is still possible.
The MLS primary transfer window is open from January 26th to March 26th, providing a limited timeframe for Orlando City to finalize a deal with Griezmann. A secondary transfer window opens from July 13th to September 2nd, but securing the player before the start of the MLS season would allow him to integrate with the team and contribute immediately. The timing of the potential transfer is complicated by Griezmann’s involvement in Atlético Madrid’s season, including their pursuit of the Copa del Rey title.
MLS’s Growing Appeal to Global Stars
Griezmann’s potential move to Orlando City is part of a broader trend of established European players choosing to continue their careers in MLS. The league’s growing competitiveness, increasing financial stability, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup have made it an increasingly attractive destination for top talent. The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in 2023 significantly raised the league’s profile, and other high-profile players, such as Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC) and Hugo Lloris (Los Angeles FC), have also joined MLS in recent years. This influx of talent is expected to continue as MLS seeks to establish itself as a major global football league.
The league’s “designated player” rule, which allows teams to sign players outside of the salary cap, has been instrumental in attracting these stars. Orlando City’s open Designated Player spot makes them particularly well-positioned to pursue Griezmann, and the club’s ownership group is reportedly committed to investing in players who can elevate the team’s performance and attract fans. The potential arrival of Griezmann would undoubtedly generate significant excitement among Orlando City supporters and further enhance the league’s growing reputation.
As negotiations continue, the football world watches closely to see if Antoine Griezmann will soon be trading the Spanish La Liga for the vibrant atmosphere of MLS and the purple of Orlando City. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this long-anticipated move will grow a reality.
The primary transfer window closes on March 26th, marking the deadline for Orlando City to reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid and finalize a deal with Antoine Griezmann. We will continue to provide updates as this story develops. Share your thoughts on Griezmann’s potential move to MLS in the comments below!
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