Orlando City eye huge MLS coup as Griezmann enters 'advanced talks' over transfer

Suraj Radia

• 24 Feb 2026 15:01 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Antoine Griezmann is set to leave Atletico Madrid for Major League Soccer after entering into ‘advanced talks’ to sign for Orlando City.

Griezmann has spent the entirety of his career in Spain and established a reputation as one of the standout talents in La Liga with Real Sociedad, Barcelona and two spells with Atletico.

The 34-year-old has long-been linked with a move to the United States and, with his contract set to expire next summer, The Athletic report that Griezmann’s time in Europe could soon be coming to an end.

Griezmann is said to be the ‘focus’ of Orlando City, although there are no agreements in place as of yet and the club are also understood to be ‘engaged’ with other targets for their open designated player spot.

Four MLS clubs are believed to have expressed interest in Griezmann, such as Inter Miami, but Orlando hold the discovery rights for his signature, which gives them first claim to signing him.

Sporting director Ricardo Moreira is understood to have visited Spain on multiple occasions to thrash out a deal and there is hope that Orlando City can secure Griezmann’s signing before the primary window closes on March 26.

Griezmann could remain with Atletico until end of season

Despite Atletico’s all-time top scorer, Griezmann has found his minutes reduced this season, with the forward only starting six games in La Liga so far.

Griezmann has been a vocal supporter of American sports and culture, frequently visiting the country on holiday and being spotted at NBA games, while also admitting a move to the MLS would be his 'dream'.

However, Griezmann may be tempted to remain with Atletico until the end of the season, particularly with the club still having a chance to win the Copa Del Rey and no formal talks having been held yet between the club and Orlando City.

Should Griezmann join Orlando, he would become the club’s biggest signing since Brazilian star Kaka’s signing during the team’s inaugural MLS season in 2014.

The Frenchman would also join the likes of Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, Thomas Muller and former international teammate Hugo Lloris as some of the biggest names in the league.

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