Griezmann heads to Orlando City, MLS adds another "top veteran star"

Written by Han Bing This summer, MLS will add a top-level star: Griezmann, who previously set Atletico Madrid's club record transfer fee at €120 million, is set to join Orlando City after this season concludes. As reported by noted transfer specialist Romano, during the March international match period, Griezmann will travel to Orlando to complete the contract. Although his contract expires next summer, Atletico will not impose a transfer fee barrier, allowing the club's all-time top scorer to leave as a free agent. The 35-year-old Griezmann is expected to sign a 2+1 contract, wear the number 7 jersey, and earn an annual salary ranging from €10 to €15 million, making him the second-highest paid player in MLS after Messi, surpassing Son Heung-min who joined last summer.

Orlando City showed strong interest in Griezmann during the winter transfer window and aimed to secure his arrival before the closure of the North American transfer window in March. Although he has always appreciated North American culture and decided that he would eventually join MLS in his later career years, Griezmann declined the winter transfer invitation, hoping to end his Atletico tenure with trophies this season as a final and finest achievement.

As Atletico's highest-paid player (€12.5 million), Griezmann's playing time and impact have notably decreased this season. In 29 La Liga matches, he started only 8 times; in 12 Champions League games, he started 6 times, with a combined appearance rate of just 41.4%, contributing 8 goals and 4 assists. For the 35-year-old veteran, this season represents the optimal timing for his departure. He can continue to enjoy a high salary in North America based on his fame and influence, while also freeing up salary space for Atletico. Griezmann, once ranked third in the Ballon d'Or, a double runner-up in the 2016 Champions League and European Championship, plus his stints at Atletico and Barcelona, provides him with strong leverage to secure a higher salary in North America.

Influenced by former Real Sociedad coach Lasaarte and Atletico teammates like Godín and Giménez, Griezmann, who admires Uruguayan culture and especially loves mate tea, calls himself "half Uruguayan." He also enjoys American sports culture and the leisurely lifestyle in Florida. Orlando is his preferred summer vacation destination, and Griezmann frequently attends NBA games, maintaining good relationships with stars like Parker. Similar to his friend Messi, Griezmann's choice of North America is not solely based on sports and economics but also on a lifestyle that suits him better. Florida has a large Latino population, especially Argentine and Uruguayan immigrants, and Orlando is close to Miami, allowing him to enjoy the American pace he favors.

With Griezmann's arrival, MLS gains another elite star. Currently, MLS has formed a group of veteran stars led by Messi, including Suárez, De Paul (Inter Miami), Son Heung-min, Lloris (LAFC), Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps), Reus, Yoshida (LA Galaxy), James Rodríguez (Minnesota United), Zaha (Charlotte FC), and Werner (San Jose Earthquakes), while Busquets retired just last year.

As North American capital increasingly flows in, MLS's TV broadcast revenue and attendance rates continue to rise, enabling clubs to offer higher salaries to attract fading European stars. For the 2025 season, the highest salary in MLS is Messi's ($20.45 million), followed by Son Heung-min ($11.15 million). James Rodríguez, newly joined Minnesota United, earns $10 million annually, and Müller, who became a "designated player" this year, receives $7.65 million, both being the highest salaries in their respective clubs' histories.

This summer, Lewandowski, Pogba, De Bruyne, and Coutinho may join MLS alongside Griezmann. Lewandowski's departure from Barcelona is almost certain, with North America being his primary target next season. Washington D.C. United holds the priority signing rights for Pogba in North America and will also strive to sign the French star this summer. De Bruyne, injured for three months this season, will inevitably leave Europe after the World Cup. Premier League veterans like Salah, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Bernardo Silva may also consider joining MLS, facilitated by North American capital connections.

Compared to the Saudi league, which has begun heavily investing in young or prime-aged stars, MLS's priority in attracting stars remains the high-profile veteran superstars from Europe.