MLS change in March
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Antoine Griezmann will most likely leave Atlético Madrid for the USA before the end of the season. The 34-year-old Frenchman was linked with Orlando City SC earlier this week and according to L’Équipe, the move is now close to completion. Due to concessions in the past, the Colchoneros are likely to clear the way without an exit clause despite an ongoing contract that runs until 2027.
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Griezmann only extended his contract with Atlético early last summer. An exit clause for 25 million euros was previously part of the working paper, but was apparently subsequently deleted. Nevertheless, the attacker has the change more or less in his own hands, writes “L’Équipe”. There has been a gentlemen’s agreement between the player and the club for a long time that Griezmann can decide the time of his departure himself.
The reason for this is the financial advantages that the left-footer has given his employer in the past. In addition to the whopping transfer profit of 88 million euros that Atlético made with the sale to FC Barcelona in 2019 and the return campaign two years later (loan fee plus transfer fee), it is also about the salary waiver when returning to the capital.
It was previously unclear whether Griezmann would like to make the move to the MLS in the transfer window, which is open in the USA until March 26th, or whether he would only venture overseas in the summer. In fact, according to the report, the 2018 World Cup winner is seeking a move as quickly as possible in order to have a better chance of taking up a place as a Designated Player with his new employer, who is allowed to receive a salary above the league-wide cap. The intention to change has already been brought to the attention of the club management and coach Diego Simeone.
Griezmann made 481 appearances for Atlético in his career, scoring 210 goals and 95 assists. In the current season, however, his sporting influence has declined significantly; in LaLiga he was only in the starting line-up six times. With a market value of 11 million euros, he would be the most valuable signing in Orlando City’s history, with a contract until the end of 2028.
