Griezmann in talks to join MLS side Orlando City: source

Orlando City are in discussions with France’s 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann about a potential move to Major League Soccer, a source close to the negotiations confirmed to AFP on Monday.

The 34-year-old forward, who this season has 12 goals in 35 appearances for Atlético Madrid, holds the Spanish club’s all-time scoring record with 210 goals across two spells interrupted by his 2019-2022 sojourn at Barcelona. Griezmann retired from international duty in 2024 after 137 caps and 44 goals for France.

Talks between the player’s camp and Orlando City have taken place, the source said, stressing that “nothing has yet been agreed.” The Florida club owns Griezmann’s MLS discovery rights, a mechanism that gives Orlando priority in negotiating his transfer. The Athletic first reported the dialogue.

Long linked with a future in the United States, Griezmann has previously expressed admiration for American sports culture, including the NBA and NFL. A switch to MLS would mark another high-profile arrival for a league whose transfer window remains open through late March before reopening in the summer.

Orlando, which missed last season’s playoffs, has a history of marquee signings, most notably 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaká. Adding a player of Griezmann’s pedigree would represent a significant statement of intent as the club looks to rebound in the current campaign that kicked off last weekend.

Griezmann’s existing contract with Atlético Madrid runs until June 2027, signed following his return to the capital last year.