France and Atlético Madrid icon Antoine Griezmann is undisputedly one of La Liga’s best forwards in the modern era, despite never winning the league title. However, with him set to turn 35 this year, his time at Los Rojiblancos is soon expected to come to a close.
And, Atlético manager Diego Simeone has opened up on Griezmann’s links to Major League Soccer (MLS) team Orlando City, choosing not to shy away from the speculations.
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Earlier this week, The Athletic stated that Orlando City are in advanced discussions to snap up the Frenchman. The MLS outfit are aiming to make the left-footed attacker a Designated Player, but have yet to reach an agreement to add the player to their ranks.
Apart from Orlando, three other American clubs are also keeping close tabs on Griezmann’s situation at Simeone’s side. They would have to pay a transfer fee to bolster their squad, as the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner’s contract is set to expire in June 2027.
Following his team’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League play-off second-leg win over Club Brugge earlier on Tuesday, Simeone was asked about rumors surrounding his players’ futures. The Argentine fueled speculation by choosing not to shut them down as he replied, “I hope he chooses what is best for him and what he truly wants. He deserves what he desires.”
Griezmann, a former Barcelona and Real Sociedad ace, has fallen down in Atlético’s pecking order this season. He has started just 14 of his 36 appearances across competitions for the La Liga side, finding the back of the net 12 times and providing two assists.
Should he join Orlando this year, Griezmann would not be the first elite player to represent them. Brazil legend Kaka plied his trade for the MLS team between 2015 and 2017, and ex-Portugal star Nani spent three years with Orlando between 2019 and 2021.
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On the other hand, Griezmann’s teammate Julián Álvarez could also depart Los Rojiblancos this year, as he has been linked with a permanent move to Barcelona in recent weeks. But Atlético Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany has recently shut down the rumors.
“Julián is an Atlético player. Atlético have very good players and many clubs are interested in them, but we haven’t spoken to anyone, neither pre-candidates nor candidates, not from Barcelona, not from anyone,” Alemany commented on the Argentine’s future.
Alvarez, 26, has netted 42 goals in 94 total matches for his club since arriving in 2024.
