Mateu Alemany dismisses Orlando City speculation, insisting that the club has “no knowledge” of MLS interest despite discovery rights reports
Atlético Madrid sporting director Mateu Alemany has firmly denied any knowledge of Antoine Griezmann potentially joining Orlando City, despite intensifying speculation linking the 34-year-old forward with a move to Major League Soccer.
Speaking before Tuesday’s Champions League match against Club Brugge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Alemany insisted Griezmann remains firmly part of Atlético’s plans.
“What matters today is to be here to advance to the Champions League round of 16,” Alemany told Movistar. “There is interest in many players, but we have to live with that. I don’t have to guarantee anything.
“Griezmann is an Atlético Madrid player and has two and a half years left on his contract. We have no knowledge of any of this. Griezmann is an important player for the club.”
The speculation has gained traction following reports that Orlando City hold Griezmann’s discovery rights – the MLS mechanism granting a club first option to negotiate with a player.
Crucially, Orlando also possess an available designated player slot, creating the financial framework necessary to accommodate a player of Griezmann’s stature and salary expectations.
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All-time Atlético scorer still delivering despite reduced role
Griezmann’s status as Atlético Madrid‘s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals across two spells in the Spanish capital underscores his legendary standing at the club.
However, at 34, he’s no longer an automatic starter under Diego Simeone, raising questions about whether a new challenge might appeal as his European career enters its final chapters.
Despite his reduced prominence, Griezmann has delivered 12 goals in 36 appearances this season, demonstrating he retains the quality to contribute meaningfully.
Atlético view him as valuable beyond purely sporting considerations, with his commercial appeal and dressing room influence factoring into their thinking.
Meanwhile, the French forward’s long-standing fascination with American sports culture has fuelled MLS speculation for years.
His social media posts documenting visits to NBA and NFL games, combined with previous comments expressing warmth about potentially playing in the United States, indicate genuine interest beyond what agents typically manufacture for leverage.
“I’ve always said it, my target is to end up [in MLS],” Griezmann told ESPN in 2023. “It’s my objective, to be there and end my career there, to be able to enjoy the sports there. I’m a big fan.”
