Griezmann in Talks to Join Orlando City, Source Says

Alanbatnews -

French forward Antoine Griezmann, a World Cup winner, is in discussions to potentially join Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS), according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

Griezmann currently plays for Atletico Madrid, where he holds the title of the club's all-time leading scorer with 210 goals.

Orlando City has discovery rights to Griezmann, a mechanism within MLS that grants a club priority in negotiating with a player.

The potential move would be a significant addition to MLS, which has seen rapid growth, especially following Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami.

Despite turning 35 in March, Griezmann remains a valuable player, having scored 12 goals in 35 appearances this season.

Griezmann, a key player in France's 2018 World Cup victory and 2022 runner-up finish, previously played for Atletico Madrid from 2014 to 2019 before a stint with Barcelona from 2019 to 2022. He then returned to Atletico, initially on loan and then permanently in 2022, extending his contract last year until June 2027.

Despite his pivotal role in winning the Europa League in 2018, Griezmann has yet to secure a major title with Atletico, falling short in the 2016 Champions League final and finishing second in La Liga in 2018 and 2019.

Griezmann retired from the French national team in 2024 after 137 international appearances, scoring 44 goals.

Rumors of a move to the United States have circulated for years, fueled by his well-known admiration for the NBA and NFL.

The new MLS season has begun, and the transfer window remains open until late March, before reopening mid-season in the summer.

Orlando City, while failing to reach the playoffs last season, has a history of signing prominent players, including Brazilian Kaka, the 2007 Ballon d'Or winner.