Antoine Griezmann Linked With Atletico Exit As 'Unexpected' Club Go All Out to Sign Him
Antoine Griezmann recently confirmed that his ultimate dream is to play for a club in Major League Soccer, but a so-called 'unexpected alternative' has now emerged in the race for his signature.
Griezmann, whose contract at Atletico Madrid expires in 2027, has been open about his desire to play in the United States one day.
"I'm very happy here," he told AS last month, after being asked about the rumours. "Everyone knows that MLS is my dream, my goal, but I still have a contract, I want to keep renewing here and continue being an important player."
The 34-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to America for the best part of two years.
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Jerome Meary, a Major League Soccer agent who deals with high-profile transfers in the league, said a move to Los Angeles FC was "quite close" at one stage. Inter Miami, who are co-owned by Griezmann's idol David Beckham, were also linked.
But the Frenchman decided to sign a new deal with his beloved Atletico in the summer.
Griezmann, who has scored 200 goals in 461 matches for Atletico across two separate spells, is contracted to the Spanish club until June 2027, but he will inevitably be linked with a move in the coming months.
In fact, he is expected to start a new chapter in his career when the 2025-26 season ends, according to Spanish publication Fichajes.
The experienced forward "seems ready to take on a new challenge away from the Metropolitano", as per the report, which claims an 'unexpected alternative' has emerged in Copa Libertadores champions Flamengo.
Flamengo are currently experiencing a period of financial expansion and feel Griezmann, a player capable of making a real difference both on and off the pitch, would be a huge coup in their project moving forward.
Of course, Griezmann's former teammate Felipe Luis is the head coach of Flamengo. It is said the pair share an excellent relationship, which could prove key in convincing him to make the move.
The World Cup winner would also be reunited with Samuel Lino and Saul Níguez if he decided to join the Brazilian outfit.
Antoine Griezmann's comments about where he will end his career speak volumes
Speaking back in 2018, Griezmann jumped at the idea of joining David Beckham's Inter Miami.
"If he [Beckham] wants me at his club, then I'll go," Griezmann told L'Equipe. "I want to finish in the MLS. We will see if that will be in Los Angeles or Miami. They are two nice cities."
He added: "I like the mentality and the showbusiness culture they have in the U.S."
Topics: Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid, La Liga, Spain
Jack Kenmare