Antoine Griezmann is set to continue his journey with Atlético Madrid next season, according to sources close to ESPN, despite ongoing rumors linking him with a move to Major League Soccer (MLS). The 34-year-old forward, whose contract with the Spanish club runs until 2026, has been a crucial player for Atlético this season, making 28 appearances in LaLiga.
Throughout his career, Griezmann has openly expressed his desire to finish his playing days in the United States. The former France international has called moving to MLS a "target," partly influenced by his passion for American sports. "I've always said it, my target is to end up [in MLS]," Griezmann told ESPN in 2023. "It's my objective, to be there and end my career there, to be able to enjoy the sports there. I'm a big fan."
Despite these aspirations, sources have informed ESPN that Griezmann is likely to remain with Atlético for the 2025-26 season rather than pursuing a move to MLS at this point in his career. However, the same sources indicated that if Atlético were to ask the high-earning forward to consider a transfer to free up space on their wage bill, Griezmann would be open to exploring his options.
Rumors have frequently connected Griezmann with LAFC, where he could potentially join former France teammates Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud. This speculation gained momentum after Atlético bolstered their attacking options last summer by signing Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, leading some to believe that Griezmann's departure might be imminent.
Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo addressed the situation on Thursday, saying, "Antoine is a fantastic player, a great person and an Atlético Madrid man. We have a great friendship and relationship with Griezmann. He'll do what he wants to do. It's him who has to take the decision to be here or be elsewhere."
Griezmann has cemented his place in club history as Atlético's all-time leading goalscorer. However, despite his individual accomplishments, he has yet to win either LaLiga or the Champions League with the club. Currently, Atlético sits third in LaLiga, seven points behind leaders Barcelona, and is preparing to face Barça next week in their Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, having already been eliminated from the Champions League by city rivals Real Madrid in the round of 16.
For now, it appears the French star will continue to pursue these elusive trophies with Atlético Madrid rather than making the move across the Atlantic to MLS, though his American dream remains very much alive for the future.
