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Orlando City, currently sitting 13th in MLS's Eastern Conference with only one victory this season, couldn't be more thrilled about the blockbuster arrival of generational talent, securing Atlético Madrid star and 2018 World Cup champion Antoine Griezmann on Tuesday.
Even the Lions' existing stars are voicing their enthusiasm, despite having to share the spotlight once the French forward's contract kicks off this summer.
"I am really happy," Orlando City Designated Player Marco Pašalić told reporters on Friday after helping Croatia secure a 2–1 victory over Colombia. "It's going to be a great experience [playing with Griezmann]. I mean, I played alongside the greatest Croatian and European player, Luka Modrić, so it's going to be a wonderful chapter of my career to play with Griezmann, and I want to make the most of it."
The 25-year-old Pašalić, who is currently competing for a place on Croatia's World Cup squad this summer, contributed an assist in the victory. The winger will likely line up alongside Griezmann as the pair look to breathe new life into Orlando City's attack. The Lions have scored just five goals across their opening five matches ... while conceding 17.
What Does Griezmann's Signing Mean for Orlando City's Current Star Players?
Griezmann, 35, has signed a deal running through the 2027–2028 season—by which point he will be 37 years old—with an option for 2028–29.
He was unveiled as Orlando City's latest Designated Player, meaning his "total compensation and acquisition costs exceed the Maximum Salary Budget Charge," per MLS. For Griezmann, that translates to compensation surpassing a budget charge of $401,562.50, given he is joining the club during the secondary transfer window.
Each MLS club is permitted a maximum of three Designated Player spots on its roster, and the Lions already occupy all three, including Pašalić, who was brought in during Feb. 2025 and is under contract through 2027. The other two Designated Players are Argentine attacking midfielder Martín Ojeda, who signed a contract extension in January through the 2028–29 season, and Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda, who arrived in January and is contracted through the 2028–29 season.
One of the Lions' three Designated Players will, therefore, have his salary "bought down" using Targeted Allocation Money. He could also be traded or loaned out to accommodate Griezmann. According to MLS, the Lions' player set to lose the DP designation will be Braian Ojeda; however, it remains unclear what exactly the club intends to do with the midfielder.