Griezmann puts Orlando City move on hold to chase Copa del Rey glory with Atletico
Antoine Griezmann's much-discussed move to Major League Soccer has been put on pause. The 34-year-old French forward, Atletico Madrid's all-time leading scorer with more than 200 goals, has decided to remain in Spain for the Copa del Rey final rather than completing an immediate transfer to Orlando City.
Copa del Rey final comes first
Orlando City had been pushing hard for a deal before the MLS primary transfer window closes on March 26, reportedly offering between $11 million and $16 million per year to bring Griezmann to Florida. But Atletico's progression to the Copa del Rey final, scheduled for April 18 against Real Sociedad at La Cartuja in Seville, changed everything.
Griezmann wants one more shot at a major trophy under Diego Simeone. His last significant honour with the club was the 2018 UEFA Super Cup. He missed Atletico's 2020-21 LaLiga title win during his time at Barcelona, and lifting the Copa del Rey would give him a fitting farewell before any potential departure.
Simeone and teammates back the decision
Simeone has been open about respecting Griezmann's choice. "I hope he plays in the final; he deserves it more than anyone," the manager said after Atletico's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg, a 3-0 loss to Barcelona on March 3 that they survived 4-3 on aggregate after winning the first leg 4-0.
Captain Koke acknowledged the uncertainty in the dressing room. "I don't know what's going to happen with Antoine. We all want him to finish his career at Atletico de Madrid, but that's a decision he has to make."
Director of football Mateu Alemany struck a more definitive note. "Antoine has this season and two more years of contract with us, and he's absolutely focused on what's coming up," he said, pointing to Atletico's Champions League last-16 tie against Tottenham, with the first leg on March 10, alongside the Copa del Rey final.
Summer move still possible
A summer transfer to Orlando City remains on the table. Griezmann has publicly expressed interest in playing in MLS, and Atletico may allow him to leave without a transfer fee when the summer window opens in July. Orlando, though, could explore alternatives if the deal stretches on too long.
Griezmann turns 35 on March 21 and extended his Atletico contract until 2027. The Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad could be his last chance to add a major domestic trophy to his record at a club where he has scored more goals than anyone in its history.
