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Antoine Griezmann Delays MLS Transfer to Orlando City

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 5:21 PM ET

Antoine Griezmann has been linked with Major League Soccer side Orlando City in recent days. However, the Frenchman has put his transfer to the Florida club on hold, according to reports.

According to ESPN, Griezmann, 34, has postponed his move to MLS because Atletico Madrid advanced to the Copa del Rey final after eliminating Barcelona on aggregate, 4-3.

"Antoine Griezmann has put a potential move to Orlando City on hold this season now that Atleti has advanced to the Copa del Rey final, sources told ESPN," the cited outlet noted.

"Sources told ESPN that Diego Simeone and the front-office team were keen to see Griezmann stay on for the season to give him the best potential farewell possible, including a shot at the Copa del Rey trophy."

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According to the report, the offer to Griezmann was valid only for this transfer window. "One source told ESPN that the offer to the 34-year-old was only valid for this transfer window because the club acknowledged that in the coming window, there could be other alternatives. MLS' summer window opens on July 13."

Antoine Griezmann, the second striker of Atletico de Madrid and France, celebrates the victory after winning the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final between FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on March 3, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain.Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

On Feb. 23, The Athletic's Tom Bogert, Paul Tenorio, and Mario Cortegana reported that Griezmann was in advanced negotiations with Orlando.

"Multiple sources briefed on the deal have indicated to The Athletic that the 34-year-old is the club's focus," they explained.

"However, there are no agreements in place yet for the France international, and Orlando City is also engaged with other targets. Orlando City sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira has been to Spain multiple times to work on the deal."

The French forward has recorded 13 goals and 2 assists in 41 games this season with Atletico Madrid, across LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, the Spanish Super Cup, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

In the previous campaign, he reached 16 goals and nine assists in 53 matches, so this year he is on track to surpass his own mark.

Griezmann also had a brief three-year stint at Barcelona, but it was in Madrid where he became a legend. He began his career at Real Sociedad, where he established himself as one of the most promising young players in Spanish soccer.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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