Atletico Madrid Director Confirms Griezmann Will Stay Until Summer

Orlando City's pursuit of the veteran forward will have to wait until the offseason.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Atletico Madrid director Mateu Alemany has confirmed that star forward Antoine Griezmann will remain with the club until the end of the current season, despite recent reports linking the 34-year-old with a move to MLS side Orlando City. Alemany stated that Griezmann has this season and two more years left on his Atleti contract, and that the club expects him to see out the campaign as they compete for the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles.

Why it matters

Griezmann's future has been a major talking point in recent weeks, with Orlando City eager to secure his services for the start of their 2026 MLS season. However, Atleti's stance that he will stay put until the summer means the Florida club will have to wait to make their move, as Griezmann looks to end his time with the Spanish giants on a high note.

The details

Alemany told Spanish outlet Marca that Griezmann 'is in extraordinary form' and 'is going to continue with us' for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign. While Orlando City remain in talks over a potential summer transfer, Atleti are not prepared to let the veteran forward leave before the end of the season, when he would be available on a free transfer.

  • Griezmann has been in talks with Orlando City in recent weeks.
  • Atleti director Alemany made his comments on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Antoine Griezmann

A 34-year-old forward who has spent the majority of his career with Atletico Madrid, and is now being pursued by MLS club Orlando City.

Mateu Alemany

The director of football at Atletico Madrid, who confirmed that Griezmann will remain with the club until the end of the current season.

Diego Simeone

The manager of Atletico Madrid, whose side is competing for the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles this season.

Fabrizio Romano

A prominent football journalist who has reported that Orlando City are in ongoing talks with Griezmann's representatives over a potential summer transfer.

Orlando City

The MLS club that has been pursuing Griezmann and is eager to secure his services for the start of their 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“He has this season and two more with us. I don't see any major news. Antoine is in extraordinary form, he's playing some great games. The fans will applaud him as always. I stay in the same way, he has a contract, he is going to continue with us. A circle has been made and we go back to the beginning. He's performing spectacularly and that's the most important thing. He is going to be with us, he is going to continue with us and nothing else.”

— Mateu Alemany, Atletico Madrid Director of Football (Marca)

What’s next

Orlando City will try again to sign Griezmann in the summer, when Atletico Madrid would be prepared to sanction a deal without asking for a transfer fee.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complexities of player transfers, as Atletico Madrid are determined to keep Griezmann until the end of the season despite Orlando City's interest. The veteran forward's desire to play in MLS before retiring will have to wait a few more months, as he aims to help Atleti win trophies in his final months with the club.