Atletico Madrid football director Mateu Alemany has said that forward Antoine Griezmann ‘will continue’ with the club after talks were held over a transfer to MLS club Orlando City.
The Athletic reported in February that Orlando City was in advanced discussions over a move for the 34-year-old, with Orlando sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira travelling to Spain multiple times to work on the potential deal.
However, Alemany said that Griezmann is set to stay at the club, following the team’s progression to the final of the Copa del Rey.
Sources briefed on the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that Orlando accepts that the move is unlikely at this stage and will look to revisit the deal in the summer.
Orlando was one of four MLS clubs to express interest in Griezmann, per sources, though Orlando holds his MLS discovery rights, giving them first claim at signing him.
MLS’ primary transfer window has been open since January 26 and closes on March 26, while the secondary window opens on July 13 and shuts on September 2.
Speaking before Atletico’s 3-2 La Liga win over Real Sociedad on Saturday, Alemany told Spanish broadcaster Movistar+: “He’s (Griezmann’s) a legend. They’re going to applaud him as always. He has a contract with us and he’s going to stay with us.
“For him, there’s nothing new; we’ve gone full circle, and we’re back to the beginning, where we were before. He’s having a spectacular performance and that’s the most important thing. He is going to be with us, he is going to continue with us and nothing more.”
Griezmann came off the bench against Real Sociedad in the 53rd minute and recorded the assist for Nicolas Gonzalez’s first goal, putting Atletico 2-1 up. Mikel Oyarzabal equalised almost immediately before Gonzalez scored the winner in the 81st minute.
Atletico head coach Diego Simeone was asked about Alemany’s comments after the game.
“These things are always better when the player speaks directly and explains what he really wants to say,” said Simeone at his post-match press conference. “We are excited and we always want the best for him, as a person as we love him a lot. He will decide when he needs to say something.”
When asked if he knew what the forward would do, Simeone replied: “I’m Diego Simeone, not Antoine Griezmann.”
The France international has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists. He has mainly been used as a substitute in La Liga, only starting six matches.
Griezmann’s contract in the Spanish capital runs until 2027, having signed an extension last summer. He has recorded 210 goals in 484 games for the club.
Orlanda City has lost all three of its MLS games to open the 2026 season and is 13th in the Eastern Conference.
