Griezmann, in ‘advanced discussions’ over transfer to Orlando - report

· Yahoo Sports

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 21: Antoine Griezmann of Atletico de Madrid in action during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on February 21, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images

The Athletic reported Monday evening that Major League Soccer’s Orlando City is “chasing” Antoine Griezmann and are hoping to sign the Atlético de Madrid legend as a Designated Player.

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Tom Bogert, Mario Cortegana and Paul Tenorio have reported that Orlando City has held “advanced discussions” over personal terms with Griezmann, who is Atlético’s all-time top scorer with 209 goals. While the report says that four MLS clubs are interested in signing Griezmann, Orlando holds his discovery rights, meaning they have the first crack at trying to acquire him.

While Orlando reportedly hopes to convince Griezmann to join them during the MLS transfer window — which runs until March 26 — the former France star is not likely to do so. Griezmann has long insisted that he wants to stay at Atlético until he wins a major domestic trophy, and the Rojiblancos are 90 minutes away from reaching April’s Copa del Rey final. The MLS season began Saturday; Orlando lost its opener to the New York Red Bulls.

Griezmann, who turns 35 next month, started this season slowly after he signed a new contract in June and — for the first time in his career — had to make do with a reserve role at his favorite club. However, Griezmann has been in good form over the past couple months and is second on the team with 12 goals across all competitions.

All six of Griezmann’s goals in LaLiga have come from the bench, the highest figure in the league. He is Atleti’s leading scorer in the Copa, with five strikes to his name — including the Colchoneros’ second in their 4-0 win over FC Barcelona in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals earlier this month.

Reports of MLS interest in Griezmann are not new, given his fondness for American sports and culture. It’s always been assumed that eventually Griezmann would find his way to the United States before his career came to an end. Though he is signed through next season, and Orlando have not yet opened negotiations with Atlético over a transfer fee, Atleti likely will facilitate Griezmann’s exit without any problems if he wants to join the 2022 U.S. Open Cup champions Orlando City.

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