Orlando City shirt switch sparks fresh Antoine Griezmann MLS transfer talk as Atletico Madrid star continues to be linked with a stateside move
Speculation linking Antoine Griezmann with a move to MLS has intensified after fresh developments involving Orlando City, who reportedly hold the forward’s discovery rights.
Griezmann, currently with Atlético Madrid, remains the club’s all-time leading scorer with 210 goals across two spells in the Spanish capital. The 34-year-old also enjoyed a glittering international career with France, scoring 44 times in 137 appearances before retiring from international football in 2024.
Although he is no longer an automatic starter for Atlético, Griezmann has still delivered 12 goals in 35 appearances this season and remains under contract until June 2027 after signing an extension last year.
Atlético are also on course to reach the Copa del Rey final following a 4-0 first-leg semi-final win over FC Barcelona, potentially giving the forward one final domestic prize to chase with Los Rojiblancos – a trophy he has never won with them.
A move to the United States has long been rumoured. Griezmann is known to be an admirer of American sports, having previously posted photos of his visits to the country to watch NBA and NFL, as well as having spoken warmly about the prospect of playing in MLS.
Orlando City reportedly own his discovery rights, the league mechanism that gives a club first option to negotiate with a player. Crucially, Orlando also have a designated player slot available.
Inter Miami were linked, but their three DP spots are currently filled by Leo Messi, Germán Berterame and Rodrigo De Paul.
With the primary MLS transfer window open until March 26 – and a secondary window reopening on July 13 – timing could prove decisive depending on Atletico’s cup run.
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Squad number change sparks suggestions
Fuel has now been added to the fire by a curious squad number change in Orlando.
Up until the final pre-season friendly on February 15, Tiago was wearing the No.7 shirt. The Brazilian even posed with his ‘new’ number seven just two weeks ago, proudly displaying it on Instagram in a club-authorised photo shoot.
However, in Orlando’s MLS season opener against New York Red Bulls this past weekend – where he scored a late consolation in a 2-1 defeat – Tiago lined up in the No.11 jersey instead.
The switch has raised eyebrows, with some suggesting Orlando may be keeping the iconic No.7 shirt free for Griezmann, who has become synonymous with the number at Atlético, Barcelona and the France national team.
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