Antoine Griezmann is set to make a surprise move to Major League Soccer, with a verbal agreement in place to join Orlando City SC in July 2026.
The development comes shortly after Atlético’s 3–2 defeat to Real Madrid, a result that raised concerns over the team’s intensity and defensive organization.
Interestingly, Softfootball gathered the move marks a shift from Griezmann’s earlier stance. On March 11, 2026, the French forward publicly dismissed speculation linking him with MLS, insisting he was fully committed to Atlético Madrid and focused on competing in the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his x handle, the deal has been agreed for the summer as a free transfer from Atlético Madrid.
Fabrizio stated:
BREAKING: Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for French star to join MLS side. Agreement on deal for July 2026, free transfer from Atlético. After deal for March rejected, agreement done for summer. Griezmann will travel this week to USA, as @Marca reported. All set.
An earlier attempt to complete the move in March was rejected, but both parties have now reached a full agreement for the end of the season.
Griezmann is also expected to travel to the United States this week.
However, it now appears that a summer exit is on the cards, with Griezmann preparing for a new chapter in the United States after his long spell in Spanish football.
