Major League Soccer has sought to boost the league's talent pool in recent years, both to boost youth development and to bring in star players from abroad.
Several clubs around the league have begun accumulating superstars at the end of their careers, from Lionel Messi and his friends at Inter Miami to the Italian duo at Toronto FC and the French stars at LAFC.
The latest player rumored to be considering offers from MLS clubs is Antoine Griezmann, who, at 33, is considering how to approach the final seasons of his playing career. His contract with Atlético Madrid expires in the summer of 2026, but he is likely to leave earlier as his on-field productivity slows.
As reports swirl about Griezmann's upcoming transfer, Sporting News brings you the latest on where the former Barcelona man could end his playing days, he has spent his entire career so far in the Spanish elite.
Latest news, reports on Antoine Griezmann in MLS
Rumors that Antoine Griezmann could play in MLS have been circulating for some time. It all stems from comments Griezmann himself made in 2023 when discussing his future - and more specifically the rumors of a possible move to Saudi Arabia during the PIF transfer frenzy.
"Can I go? I have a family and three children," Griezmann said during his international stint with France. "It's not an easy decision to make. But as you know, MLS remains my goal."
During the summer of 2024, serious rumors that Antoine Griezmann could join the MLS. The news came just as Olivier Giroud had signed up for LAFC, joining French counterpart Hugo Lloris at the West Coast Club.
Giroud was happy to hear the rumors, although he did not confirm the interest, but said he had spoken to Griezmann about the American League.
"When he saw the news that I signed for LAFC, he was a little jealous," Giroud said during his introductory press conference at LAFC. "I said, 'Don't worry, we'll meet soon, I hope.'" I know he loves the United States. Basketball, baseball, football. One day he will come here."
Spanish newspaper Marca has been convinced that Griezmann will join an MLS club after leaving Atlético Madrid, who is expected to arrive either this winter to play a full season in MLS or this summer after the end of the European season. The same outlet reported back in mid-November that Griezmann had never played for another European club and therefore hoped a move to MLS at the end of his career would see him disappear.
Which MLS team could join Antoine Griezmann?
The heavy favorite to sign Griezmann is LAFC, where he will join his French teammates Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris.
Although it seems difficult to add Griezmann to a team that already has a number of high-profile stars given MLS salary and roster restrictions, Inter Miami has made it clear that these rules can be circumvented if a club tries hard enough and MLS wants the transfer bad enough.
Beyond that, it's unclear where Griezmann could go if LAFC can't make the numbers work. Fans can see him as a potential LAFC player until they are out of competition, after which the rest of the market will become clearer.
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