Diego Simeone Opens Door For Griezmann Transfer To Orlando City

The paperwork hasn't been filed yet, but Antoine Griezmann's potential landing spot in Major League Soccer appears to be narrowing toward Orlando City, according to comments his current manager made public this week that have league executives quietly working their phones.

Atlético Madrid boss Diego Simeone told reporters on March 3rd that regarding Griezmann and a possible Orlando City move, "I hope he can," a diplomatic but telling comment captured by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano that sent ripples through both European and American soccer circles. Sources tell 813 Morning Brief that the 35-year-old French forward has been exploring MLS options for the better part of two months, though no formal offer has been publicly acknowledged by either club.

Behind closed doors, Orlando City executives have been working with league officials on the designated player slot mechanics that would make such a signing financially feasible. The franchise currently has two designated players on its roster, leaving one slot potentially available under MLS rules that allow teams to sign up to three players outside the salary cap structure.

What makes Simeone's comment particularly noteworthy to those who follow European soccer's typically opaque transfer dealings is its timing. Griezmann's contract with Atlético runs through the summer of 2026, meaning any move to Orlando would likely occur during the mid-season transfer window rather than during the traditional offseason period. League insiders suggest that complicates negotiations considerably, as Orlando City would need to either wait until the contract expires or negotiate a transfer fee with the Spanish club.

The French international remains a productive player despite his age, having contributed regularly to Atlético's attack this season. His potential arrival would represent a significant coup for Orlando City, which has steadily built its profile since entering MLS in 2015 but has yet to secure a marquee European name of Griezmann's caliber.

What happens next remains uncertain, particularly regarding the financial structure of any potential deal. MLS has historically been reluctant to disclose transfer fees or salary details, and neither Orlando City nor Atlético Madrid has commented officially on negotiations. The league's summer transfer window opens in early July, though designated player signings can technically occur outside those periods with league approval.

For now, Simeone's carefully worded endorsement represents the clearest public signal yet that Griezmann's next chapter could be written in Florida, even if the final details remain far from settled.

Source: https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2028972491687789019