MLS side pushing to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid - Reports
Los Angeles FC have reportedly made progress in their attempts to sign Antoine Griezmann. The French attacker has one year left to run on his contract with Atletico Madrid but has previously spoken about his desire to play in the MLS.
L'Equipe reports that LAFC are progressing in talks with Griezmann over a move to BMO Stadium. The former Barcelona star is available for €10 million this summer due to a clause in his contract.
Antoine Griezmann, 33, was vital for Diego Simeone's Atleti last season, posting 24 goals and eight assists in 48 games across competitions. He's a Colchoneros legend, but there have been suggestions that he won't be offered a contract extension.
LAFC are offering Griezmann the opportunity to become the second-highest-paid player in the MLS. Lionel Messi tops that list after arriving at Inter Miami last summer.
Griezmann could lock horns with Messi in the MLS if the French forward joins the Falcons. They were teammates at Barca during his lackluster three-year spell at Camp Nou.
Messi has flourished in the United States since joining the Herons. Several high-profile names have followed him to DRV PNK, including Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
"It's a dream" - Antoine Griezmann spoke of his desire to end up in the MLS
Antoine Griezmann fueled talk of a move to the MLS when speaking last summer after Messi, 37, joined Inter Miami. He said that it was a dream (via Express):
"It's a dream of mine. I want it to be the best possible conditions when I go there, but it's certainly an objective in the future."
Griezmann also praised the Herons' capture of Messi and how it would help the MLS:
"It’s great for the MLS to have Lionel Messi’s image and talent."
Antoine Griezmann may be enticed to follow in Messi's footsteps, given that the Argentine icon loves life in the USA. He's registered 25 goals and 16 assists in 29 games across competitions since joining David Beckham's co-owned MLS franchise.
The 135-cap France international has enjoyed an incredible career in European club football but arguably merits more trophy success. He's won the UEFA Europa League, the Copa del Rey, the Supercopa de Espana, and the UEFA Super Cup.
The Frenchman arrived at the Wanda Metropolitano from Real Sociedad in July 2014 for €30 million. He will go down as an icon whenever he leaves Atleti.