Madrid – Antoine Griezmann finds himself at a crossroads, with a potential move to Major League Soccer’s Orlando City currently stalled as Atlético Madrid’s Copa del Rey run complicates his future. The French forward’s decision hinges on whether he prioritizes a possible trophy with his current club or a lucrative novel chapter in the United States.
The situation, as reported by ESPN and World Soccer Talk, centers around Atlético Madrid’s unexpected progression to the Copa del Rey final, scheduled for April 18 against Real Sociedad at La Cartuja in Seville. This development has prompted Griezmann to pause discussions with Orlando City, who were prepared to offer a contract rivaling that of Lionel Messi, according to sources. The MLS primary transfer window closes on March 26, creating a tight timeframe for a resolution.
Orlando City holds Griezmann’s discovery rights and has been aggressively pursuing the 34-year-old, recognizing his admiration for MLS and American culture. They’ve already secured Marco Pašalić and Martín Ojeda for the 2026 season and had hoped Griezmann would fill their final Designated Player slot. Still, the prospect of ending his decade-long association with Atlético Madrid with a Copa del Rey title has given Griezmann pause.
This isn’t the first time Griezmann’s commitment has been questioned. In the summer of 2018, a drawn-out saga culminated in a public announcement that he would remain at Atlético, only for him to later express regret and attempt to force a move to Barcelona. That episode, documented extensively at the time, left a mark on the club and its supporters. The current situation, although different, evokes similar frustrations for Atlético fans who value commitment and prioritize the club’s success above individual ambitions.
Griezmann is Atlético Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals, yet a major trophy with Los Colchoneros has eluded him. He previously won a Spanish Supercopa with the club. Diego Simeone, Atlético’s manager, and the club’s front office, led by Mateu Alemany, reportedly want Griezmann to stay and have the opportunity to lift a trophy with the team. Alemany recently stated that Griezmann is “absolutely focused on what’s coming up,” indicating the club’s desire to retain him, at least through the Copa del Rey final.
The timing is particularly challenging. The MLS transfer window deadline of March 26 forces Griezmann to make a swift decision: commit to Orlando City immediately or postpone the move to the summer window, which opens on July 13. Orlando City reportedly made it clear that the offer was valid only for this current window, acknowledging that other options might emerge later in the year.
Adding another layer to the complexity, Atlético Madrid is also preparing for a Champions League round-of-16 tie against Tottenham Hotspur, with the first leg scheduled for March 10 and the return leg on March 18. These high-stakes matches further underscore the importance of Griezmann’s presence in the squad.
The situation is reminiscent of past transfer sagas involving Griezmann, and the club’s supporters are understandably wary of another protracted negotiation. The question now is whether Griezmann will prioritize the potential for silverware with Atlético Madrid or embrace the financial incentives and new challenge offered by Orlando City. His decision will undoubtedly have significant implications for both clubs and the broader landscape of European and North American soccer.
For Orlando City, the delay is a setback in their ambitious plan to build a star-studded roster. They’ve already made significant investments in players like Pašalić and Ojeda, and Griezmann was seen as the final piece of the puzzle. The club will now have to weigh its options and determine whether to pursue other targets or wait for Griezmann’s decision in the summer.
The Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad represents a golden opportunity for Griezmann to finally secure a major title with Atlético Madrid. Whether he will be willing to forgo the MLS opportunity to pursue that goal remains to be seen. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of one of the most recognizable names in world football.
What’s Next: Antoine Griezmann will participate in Atlético Madrid’s Champions League match against Tottenham Hotspur on March 10. The MLS primary transfer window closes on March 26, forcing a decision on his future. The Copa del Rey final is scheduled for April 18.
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