Fakayejo Paul
Major League Soccer is about to welcome another global icon as Antoine Griezmann has officially reached a verbal agreement to join Orlando City.
The “here we go” confirmation from Fabrizio Romano marks the end of a long-running transfer saga, with the French superstar set to move to Florida in July 2026.
Griezmann will join the Lions as a free agent once his legendary tenure at Atlético Madrid concludes at the end of the current European season.
While Orlando City pushed hard to bring him in during the March primary transfer window, Griezmann reportedly chose to stay in Madrid to help Diego Simeone’s side in their pursuit of the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles.
With those goals in sight, Atlético has shown a “debt of gratitude” by allowing their all-time leading scorer to depart for free despite his contract technically running until 2027.
The 35-year-old World Cup winner is expected to travel to the United States this week to finalize the contract details and undergo initial orientations.
Reports suggest he will sign a two-year deal with an option for a third, which would see him through the 2027-28 season.
He is also expected to take over the No. 7 jersey, becoming the club’s biggest marquee signing since Kaká.
For Orlando City, Griezmann’s arrival couldn’t come at a more critical time.
The club has endured a dismal start to the 2026 season, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference after losing four of their opening five matches—a slump that led to the firing of longtime manager Óscar Pareja earlier this month.
The addition of Griezmann’s world-class creativity and experience is seen as the centerpiece of a major rebuild for the “Lions.”
Fans in Florida are already marking their calendars for July 2026, which could see Griezmann make his debut just as the league transitions into its new summer schedule.
It also sets up a mouth-watering “Florida Derby” reunion with his former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi.