Antoine Griezmann’s MLS move put on pause

What next for Antoine Griezmann? Last week it looked like the Frenchman’s time in Spain was finally coming to an end, with MLS team Orlando City moving in to sign him from Atlético Madrid. Now, the future looks less clear.

Griezmann currently has a contract with Atleti that runs through to the summer of 2027. However he has slipped down the pecking order for head coach Diego Simeone and had been expected to look elsewhere in search of more playing time. The MLS transfer window is open until March 26, meaning that Orlando would be able to add him to the squad immediately.

However while Griezmann is known to be interested in a move to the United States, he still has an objective in Spain. On Tuesday night Atlético secured passage to the final of the Copa del Rey with a 4-3 aggregate victory over Barcelona. The final will be played on April 18 and Atleti will be the favorites against either Real Sociedad or Athletic Club, the two teams who will face off in the other semi-final.

ESPN reports that Griezmann is eager to stay with Atlético Madrid to play in the Copa del Rey final, almost certainly his final chance to lift silverware with Atleti. However Orlando want to get the deal done before March 26 to ensure that he can be added to the squad.

With different priorities for both parties, it looks unlikely that the Griezmann-Orlando move will happen before the MLS trade deadline. More likely, however, is that Griezmann plays out the remainder of the season in Spain and then looks to make a move in the summer.

Orlando have made clear that the Griezmann offer is conditional on him making the move now, ensuring that they have the Frenchman for the majority of the 2026 MLS season. If he chooses to delay until the summer there will be many more options for Orlando and other MLS teams, including Barcelona’s soon-to-be out-of-contract striker Robert Lewandowski.

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