Atletico Madrid provide surprising Antoine Griezmann transfer twist

Orlando City have been in hot pursuit of Atletico Madrid legend Antoine Griezmann as the next superstar signing to MLS, but it looks like Los Rojiblancos are not ready to let the Frenchman go in 2026.

In an appearance on Radio Marca, top La Liga transfer insider Matteo Moretto revealed that Atletico manager Diego Simeone and the entire club’s structure itself do not want Griezmann to leave for MLS this summer.

Atleti still feel that they need Griezmann in their team for his leadership and attacking quality. Moretto believes that while it all depends on Griezmann, his own opinion as a transfer expert is that the veteran forward may be convinced to stay at the club because of the factors at play within the walls who are pointing towards him staying.

Per Moretto, Griezmann’s future is based on finances. He has been torn between staying in La Liga or leaving for MLS for a year now, and even though he has a written offer from Orlando City and gave them a verbal yes after they visited him in the Spanish capital, the future is a bit murky at this point.

Although Griezmann is now a backup player for Atleti, there is no question that his quality is palpable and that he can change games for this team, even coming off the bench.

With Julian Alvarez’s future uncertain due to courtship from rivals Barcelona, Griezmann’s future is that much more important for Los Rojiblancos to sort out. As Moretto notes, the financial improvement Orlando can offer is an X-Factor here, because they can make the 34-year-old a lucrative signing as a Designated Player, though that move would have to occur during the season in March; Griezmann’s “yes” to Orlando City was reportedly for a summer move after the 2025/26 La Liga campaign ends.

Atletico Madrid showing a want for Griezmann to stay this badly, though, could be the key, even more than the money. Yes money talks, especially in the modern game for a retiring player, but feeling important at a top club you love is a feeling that few things in this world can beat.