Antoine Griezmann Breaks Silence on Explosive MLS Move Rumors
Following weeks of rumors about Antoine Griezmann's possible transfer to Orlando City, the Atlético Madrid forward has finally addressed the situation.
"I feel great here and am having a wonderful time," Griezmann stated on Movistar TV following Atleti's 5–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Champions League action on Tuesday. "My performance on the field demonstrates everything. We'll wait and see, but my intention is to remain until the conclusion, and then others may discuss it."
The French forward, whose contract with Atlético runs through June 2027, mentioned his plans to participate for Los Rojiblancos in Spain's Copa del Rey final on April 18: "That represents my aspiration and goal, to hopefully accomplish something significant."
MLS's main transfer period, which began in late January, concludes on March 26, suggesting Griezmann will likely remain with the La Liga club throughout the summer.
What Does Griezmann's Decision Mean for Orlando City?
What Does Griezmann's Decision Mean for Orlando City?
While four MLS teams showed interest in Griezmann, Orlando City possess Discovery Rights for him—a system utilized by MLS to grant one club priority when negotiating a non-league player's signing—which the Lions secured by being first to add Griezmann to their Discovery List.
The Lions must postpone their chase of Griezmann until the summer transfer period begins on July 13.
Orlando City could certainly benefit from the 2018 World Cup champion's celebrity status currently, languishing at the bottom of the standings without any points through their opening three matches of the new campaign. The club notably squandered a 2–0 advantage against the MLS defending champions, Inter Miami, on March 1, dropping the Florida derby 4–2 following a double from Lionel Messi.
Epic edition of the Florida Classic 🔥
Halftime: @OrlandoCitySC led, 2-0
Fulltime: @InterMiamiCF won, 4-2 pic.twitter.com/DBH90AM7YQ
Griezmann has recorded 13 goals and four assists through 40 matches in all competitions this campaign, despite primarily entering as a substitute in La Liga. He stands as the club's record goalscorer with 210 strikes in 484 total matches over 10 seasons.
"I'm extremely pleased with Antoine's dedication," Atlético coach Diego Simeone commented. "He understands his significance in Atletico Madrid's legacy. I hope he can conclude as he merits, in the finest manner possible, and that we can support him by ending this season extraordinarily."
Griezmann Is a Trend Follower
Griezmann Is a Trend Follower
34-year-old Griezmann represents just the most recent European veteran contemplating joining the MLS movement.
The revived interest in MLS—reinvigorated by Messi's switch from PSG to Inter Miami in 2023—has attracted players like Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, Bayern Munich icon Thomas Müller, Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, and many others.