Orlando City are in advanced discussions over a potential move for Antoine Griezmann as they seek to fill their open Designated Player slot. Multiple sources briefed Softfootball on the situation indicating the 34-year-old is the club’s primary target.
However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated on his official x handle that no agreements are currently in place for the France international, and Orlando remain engaged with other targets.
Romano stated:
BREAKING: Orlando City advance in talks to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid. Negotiations are underway between all parties as @TomBogert @MarioCortegana report. Orlando want Griezmann to join in the next weeks after director Ricardo Moreira’s missions in Madrid.
Sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira has travelled to Spain multiple times in an effort to advance discussions.
Griezmann, who plays for Atlético Madrid, has long been linked with a move to MLS. The 2018 World Cup winner has a well-documented affinity for American sports and culture, frequently vacationing in the United States and attending NBA games.
He notably gave a televised shout-out to former Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose after lifting the World Cup in 2018.
Sources said Griezmann was previously a target for Inter Miami CF, but the Florida club were unable to pursue a deal due to already having three Designated Players.
Orlando are understood to be one of four MLS clubs to have expressed interest in the forward, and they hold his MLS discovery rights, giving them first claim on a potential transfer.
Griezmann would not be the first high-profile player to represent Orlando City SC. The club entered MLS in 2015 with Ballon d’Or winner Kaká as its marquee signing, while former Portugal winger Nani spent three seasons with the Lions from 2019 to 2021.
The developments come shortly after Atlético completed the €40 million signing of Ademola Lookman from Atalanta BC earlier in February.
Orlando are hopeful of convincing Griezmann to sign during MLS’s primary transfer window, which runs through March 26. A mid-season departure from Atlético would represent a significant coup for the MLS side.
However, multiple sources said Griezmann is not expected to leave the Spanish club before the summer transfer window.
Atlético remain firmly in contention for this season’s Copa del Rey, having defeated FC Barcelona 4–0 in the first leg of their semi-final earlier this month, with the return leg scheduled for March 3 and the final set for April 18.
The forward would join high-profile names in MLS such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Thomas Müller and his former France teammate Hugo Lloris.
Once sold in a €120 million deal to Barcelona, Griezmann has scored 44 goals for France, finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting twice, won the Europa League and reached a Champions League final.
He has scored six goals in La Liga this season after registering eight goals and seven assists last term, with Atlético currently fourth in the table. He has also scored five goals in the Copa del Rey this campaign, adding one goal and two assists in the Champions League.
Griezmann is Atlético’s all-time leading scorer with more than 200 goals. He began his professional career at Real Sociedad, scoring 52 goals across five seasons before joining Atlético in 2014.
After scoring 133 goals in five seasons with at least 20 goals in each campaign he spent two seasons at Barcelona before returning to Diego Simeone’s side in 2021, initially on loan.
Although he has never won a major league title, he has claimed the Europa League, Supercopa de España and UEFA Super Cup with Atlético, and a Copa del Rey with Barcelona.
Orlando, who lost their season opener 2–1 to New York Red Bulls, have focused on youth recruitment this offseason, signing three Brazilian prospects to under-22 initiative contracts.
The club is owned by the Wilf family brothers Mark and Zygi Wilf who also own the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings. The Wilfs acquired Orlando City in 2021.
The Lions finished ninth in the Eastern Conference last season after placing second and fourth in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Since joining MLS as an expansion team in 2015, Orlando have won the U.S. Open Cup in 2022 — their first major trophy as a top-division club.
Whether Orlando can secure Griezmann’s signature before the March 26 deadline remains uncertain, with a summer move currently viewed as the more realistic scenario.
