Griezmann to Orlando: Transfer Confirmed

Atlético Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann is traveling to Orlando, Florida, to finalize a deal with Orlando City SC, multiple sources confirmed Sunday. The move, which has been in negotiation for weeks, will see the 35-year-old French international join Major League Soccer this summer.

Griezmann was authorized by Atlético Madrid to travel during scheduled time off, according to reports, signaling the Spanish club’s acceptance of the transfer. He is expected to remain with Atlético until the end of the current season, which includes a Champions League quarterfinal tie against Barcelona and a Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad. The summer transfer window opens on July 13, with Griezmann potentially debuting for Orlando City on July 22 against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The agreement is a two-year deal with an additional one-year option, sources say, and Griezmann is slated to inherit the No. 7 shirt for Orlando City. The move marks a significant shift for Orlando City, which recently parted ways with coach Óscar Pareja after a poor start to the season and currently sits in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

Griezmann, Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with over 200 goals, expressed a desire to play in MLS in the past, and has frequently vacationed in the United States, often attending NBA games. He retired from international duty with France in 2024 after a decorated career that included a 2018 World Cup title.

While Orlando City initially hoped to secure Griezmann before the close of the primary MLS transfer window this month, the player opted to remain with Atlético to pursue titles in both the Copa del Rey and Champions League. The finalized agreement allows Griezmann to join Orlando City following the conclusion of Atlético’s season. The signing is expected to be a central component of a rebuild for the Central Florida club, which has previously featured high-profile global footballers like Kaká.

Despite his current contract with Atlético running through 2027, Atlético manager Diego Simeone has publicly stated his support for Griezmann’s decision, whatever it may be. The move comes as MLS transitions to a new calendar more aligned with European leagues, beginning with the 2027 season.