Antoine Griezmann (©Gallo Images)
Antoine Griezmann (©Gallo Images)

Griezmann close to American dream – Florida awaits the Little Prince

Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 24.02.26. | 10:47

Frenchman has been on the radar of several American clubs for some time, with Orlando emerging as one of the most interested parties

Orlando City have opened discussions with Atletico Madrid over a potential move for attacking midfielder Antoine Griezmann, The Athletic reports. The Florida-based club are pushing to land the former France skipper before the MLS primary transfer window closes on March 26, with the 34-year-old still viewed as a marquee target.

Griezmann has registered six goals in La Liga this campaign and remains a key figure in Diego Simeone’s setup as Atleti push toward a Copa del Rey final.

Talks between the two sides have been ongoing for a while, with Orlando City sporting director Ricardo Pereira reportedly traveling to Spain on several occasions in an effort to move negotiations forward. Although Griezmann is no longer in his prime, he continues to play an important role for the Madrid side and is still performing at a high level.

The Frenchman has long expressed his admiration for American sports and culture, and his desire to play in MLS is well documented. He is frequently spotted at major sporting events in the United States and reiterated his ambitions last year: "Everyone knows that MLS is my dream and my goal," he said in an interview with AS at the end of last year.

Inter Miami were also linked with a move for Griezmann, but were unable to progress due to already having three designated players on their roster. The World Cup winner boasts an outstanding career resume, highlighted by four goals and two assists during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph.

He finished third in Ballon d’Or voting in both 2016 and 2018, has been named in La Liga’s Team of the Season four times, and is Atletico’s all-time leading scorer with 137 international appearances for Les Bleus.

However, securing his signature will be a major challenge for Orlando. Griezmann is tied to Atleti until the end of the 2026–27 season, and the Spanish club are not keen on letting him go before the European summer window opens on June 15. Even if a deal is agreed, MLS transfer rules mean Orlando would not be able to register him until July 13, complicating any potential move.

tags

Atletico MadridOrlando CityAntoine GriezmannTransfers

Up next