Griezmann Delays MLS Switch for Atletico Madrid Copa del Rey Dream

Griezmann Delays MLS Switch for Atletico Madrid Copa del Rey Dream

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones
Published: Mar 6, 2026

Antoine Griezmann has reportedly put his eagerly awaited move to MLS club Orlando City on hold, choosing to stay with Atletico Madrid for now. Motivated by the chance to end his personal trophy drought with the Spanish side, the French striker will remain in Madrid for the upcoming Copa del Rey final, postponing his move to the United States until the summer transfer window.

The football world just witnessed an epic twist in the Antoine Griezmann saga! The legendary Atletico Madrid forward has sensationally paused his anticipated move to MLS side Orlando City, all for the chance to seize ultimate glory with his beloved club.

Key Points:

  • Antoine Griezmann has put his Orlando City MLS transfer on hold.
  • Atletico Madrid's progression to the Copa del Rey final is the decisive factor.
  • He is prioritizing the pursuit of a major trophy under Diego Simeone.
  • Both Simeone and his Atletico Madrid teammates fully support this deeply personal decision.

A Trophy Hunt Takes Precedence Over New Horizons

News from ESPN confirms that Griezmann, at 34, has deferred his potential switch to Orlando City. The Florida outfit had been aggressively pushing for an immediate deal, with an offer contingent on his arrival before the primary MLS transfer window slammed shut on March 26. However, fate intervened.

Atletico Madrid's thrilling progression to the Copa del Rey final, scheduled for April 18, created an unavoidable clash. Despite the risk of Orlando City exploring other options for the summer window, Griezmann unequivocally chose to prioritize his current sporting commitments in the Spanish capital.

The Allure of Silverware

This isn't merely a delay; it's a statement. Griezmann's primary motivation stems from an intense desire to hoist a major trophy with Atletico Madrid under manager Diego Simeone. Despite his record-breaking 210 goals for the club, his last significant honor with Los Rojiblancos was the 2018 UEFA Super Cup.

He famously missed out on the 2021 LaLiga triumph during his stint at Barcelona. Now, with a Copa del Rey final berth secured, even after a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the semi-final second leg, the opportunity for a poetic farewell, crowned with silverware, is too significant to pass up.

Simeone's Blessing and Club's Unwavering Support

Diego Simeone has been remarkably transparent about his star's future, acknowledging Griezmann has earned the right to chart his own course. Following the intense clash against Barcelona, the Argentine boss expressed profound affection for his talisman.