Antoine Griezmann set to finalize two-year contract with Orlando.
Antoine Griezmann is poised to finalize a two-year contract with Orlando City SC, which includes an option for an additional year, according to multiple sources who spoke to ESPN on Sunday.
The Atlético Madrid forward departed for Orlando on Sunday evening following his team’s 3-2 derby defeat against Real Madrid to complete the transfer, sources indicated, with Griezmann anticipated to start playing for the MLS club in July.
Griezmann will continue with Atlético until the conclusion of the season, which still features a Champions League quarterfinal matchup against Barcelona and a Copa del Rey final versus Real Sociedad.
The former French international, who was part of the 2018 World Cup championship squad, announced his retirement from international competition in 2024.
ESPN reported in February that Griezmann was in discussions regarding a transfer to Orlando before the conclusion of the LaLiga season; however, sources mentioned he opted to delay the move to complete the season with Atlético.
Griezmann is Atlético’s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals, yet he has not secured a major title during his tenure with Diego Simeone’s squad.
Simeone has consistently stated that he would back any choice made by Griezmann, a long-standing veteran of Atlético Madrid. His current contract with the club extends until 2027.
The summer transfer window for Major League Soccer opens on July 13.
ESPN’s Gustavo Hofman and Jeff Carlisle contributed to this report.
