MLS
Which players could follow Lionel Messi to MLS in 2024? Modric, Griezmann, Giroud…
The end-of-season 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs are underway, with some teams already looking to strengthen their rosters for next year.
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami was a watershed moment for MLS in 2023, with two other world-class stars, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, wasting little time in following their Barcelona teammate to Florida. And that despite The Herons’ struggles on the field, which saw them fail to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs.
David Beckham and Co are already thinking about next season, with Luis Suárez, another ex-Barça star, rumoured to be next through the door at DRV PNK Stadium. However, more big names could also make the move stateside in the not-too-distant future.
Speaking on the Men In Blazers podcast, Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has said he believes French duo Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud are targets for MLS clubs.
Suárez to Inter Miami “very likely”
In addition to claiming that Suárez’s switch to Miami is very likely to happen, Romano stressed that while 32-year-old Griezmann is happy at Atlético Madrid for the time being, he has previously expressed his desire to play in the United States.
Giroud, 37, will be out of contract at AC Milan in the summer of 2024 but hopes to sign a new deal, despite his advancing years. Should that not happen, however, Romano believes a switch to MLS will be on the cards.
Griezmann set for MLS “one day”
“We know Antoine Griezmann has been thinking about playing in the MLS one day. He is currently happy at Atlético de Madrid, so I don’t expect anything to happen this coming year, but in the future Griezmann could think about a move.
“Another player that is being talked about is Luis Suárez, who is coming towards the end of his career. But that does not mean that he is not still a fantastic player and he is expected to join Inter Miami at the end of the year to reunite with Leo Messi.”
Out-of-contract Giroud has MLS offers
“We also have to keep an eye on Olivier Giroud, because his contract with AC Milan ends next summer. He just scored two goals against Napoli, he is a fantastic striker and is the top scorer in the history of the French national team. And he could be a free agent in the summer, although he is hoping to get a new contract offer from AC Milan. If that renewal does not happen, he could move to MLS because he has had some offers,” Romano explained.
Luka Modric to choose between MLS and Saudi Arabia
Finally, Romano discussed Luka Modric and his new reduced role at Real Madrid, which could lead him to leaving the LaLiga giants. MLS and Saudi Arabia have been mentioned as the possible next step for the Croat.
“Finally there is Luka Modric, who is not entirely happy with his lack of playing time at Real Madrid and wants to play more. Either Saudi Arabia or MLS will be his next move. We’ll see what happens.”