Griezmann agrees verbal deal to join Orlando City as a free agent this summer
The move had been bubbling for weeks. Griezmann first emerged as an Orlando City target earlier this month but put the switch on hold while Atletico Madrid were still alive in the Copa del Rey and Champions League. With both campaigns now over, the Frenchman has given Orlando the green light.
What are the deal terms?
Reports from TSN and Sportsnet describe a verbal agreement for a free transfer, with Griezmann set to arrive in Florida this summer. The proposed deal runs through the 2027-28 MLS season with an option for 2028-29. His salary is reported to be between $11 million and $16 million gross per year, which would place him among the highest earners in MLS history.
Atletico have reportedly granted Griezmann permission to fly to the United States to finalise personal terms and complete the formalities.
A career spent entirely in Spain comes to an end
Griezmann turned 35 on March 21. He has spent his entire professional career in Spain, joining Real Sociedad as a teenager in 2005 before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2014. A two-year spell at Barcelona between 2019 and 2021 did not go to plan, and he returned to Atletico on loan before making the move permanent.
He leaves La Liga as Atletico Madrid's all-time top scorer with over 200 goals across all competitions. He also has a World Cup winners medal from 2018 and a Europa League title to his name.
What does Orlando City get?
A player whose best years are behind him, clearly, but one with the kind of profile that shifts attention and sells tickets. MLS has built an entire recruitment model around signing European stars in their mid-thirties and Griezmann fits that mould perfectly. He still has the technical quality to dominate at that level even if the legs are not what they were.
Orlando currently sit mid-table in the Eastern Conference and have been searching for a marquee signing to build around. Griezmann gives them that and then some.
