Quick Read
- Antoine Griezmann is set to join MLS club Orlando City SC.
- The move follows Atletico de Madrid’s recent derby defeat and a period of negotiations.
- Griezmann will remain with Atletico until the end of the season before joining Orlando in July.
Griezmann Authorized for MLS Transfer
Atletico de Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is reportedly set to complete a surprising move to Major League Soccer, having been authorized by his club to finalize a transfer to Orlando City SC. The French World Cup winner departed for Orlando on Sunday night, shortly after Atletico’s 3-2 derby loss to Real Madrid, to finalize the agreement. The move, which has been in the works for some time, sees Griezmann signing a deal through the 2027-28 season, with an option for an additional year. He is expected to wear the No. 7 jersey for the Florida-based club.
Details of the Orlando City Deal
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Griezmann will sign a two-year contract with Orlando City, which includes a one-year option. He is expected to begin playing for the MLS side in July, coinciding with the league’s summer transfer window opening on July 13. Until then, Griezmann will remain with Atletico Madrid to fulfill his commitments for the remainder of the current season. This includes crucial fixtures such as a Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona and a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. While talks with Orlando were reported as early as February, Griezmann had initially opted to pause the move to honor his obligations with his Spanish club.
Griezmann’s Legacy at Atletico and MLS Landscape
The impending transfer marks the end of a significant era for Griezmann at Atletico Madrid. The 33-year-old attacker is the club’s all-time leading scorer, having netted over 200 goals for Los Colchoneros. Despite his prolific record and long tenure, he has yet to secure a major trophy under manager Diego Simeone. Griezmann’s current contract with Atletico runs through 2027. His move to MLS follows a trend of high-profile European stars making the switch to the United States, including Lionel Messi, Thomas Müller, and Son Heung-min. Orlando City itself has a history of signing international stars, notably Kaka in 2015. Griezmann, a member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, retired from international duty in 2024.
Griezmann’s decision to move to MLS, despite still having contractual obligations and significant matches remaining with Atletico, underscores a potential shift in player priorities, where concluding club commitments while securing a new professional chapter in a growing league takes precedence over extending a career in top European football.