MLS side want to sign France superstar, willing to make him league's second-highest paid player behind Lionel Messi – Reports
MLS outfit Los Angeles FC are looking to sign Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Antoine Griezmann, according to L’Equipe. The report adds that the club are willing to make the Atletico Madrid forward the second-highest-earning player in the league, behind only the Argentine.
Messi is currently the MLS' highest earner with his annualized compensation from his first season amounting to $20.4 million, according to the Associated Press. The 2022 World Cup winner has a base pay of $10.4 million per year.
Griezmann, 33, is currently under contract with Atletico Madrid until the summer of 2026. According to Marca (via GOAL), the Rojiblancos are not willing to renew the Frenchman’s contract as they are looking to trim their wage bill. With Greizmann being one of their top earners, and the fact that he will turn 36 when his contract expires, the club may look to cash in on him.
The Marca report adds that the club are happy with Griezmann and could let him continue beyond his current contract. However, if the World Cup winner was to switch this summer, the MLS remains one of his most likely destinations.
If Griezmann signs for LA FC, he will join his former Les Bleus stars Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud, with the latter signing for the club this year. It will also give the league a new narrative after Inter Miami and their former Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
When asked about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League last year, Griezmann said:
“Saudi Arabia? I understand those who have to go there; we’re talking about incredible sums of money. Could I go? I have a family, three children. It’s not an easy decision to make. The MLS is still my priority.”
Griezmann has registered 181 goals and 84 assists for Atletico in 389 appearances across all competitions. He's helped the club lift the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and other titles.
Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami interested in signing former Real Madrid star - Reports
Inter Miami are reportedly looking to sign Lionel Messi’s former El Clasico rival James Rodriguez.
The Colombian midfielder spent four seasons at Real Madrid, between 2014 and 2020, scoring 37 goals and assisting 42 times in 125 games across competitions. He also won two UEFA Champions League and two La Liga titles with the club.
Rodriguez is coming off a spectacular Copa America 2024 campaign. He registered a goal and a record six assists in five games and was named Player of the Tournament. His contributions helped his side reach the final for the first time in 23 years, where they were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Having mutually terminated his contract with Sao Paulo, Rodriguez has been linked with a move to the MLS, with the Herons among the favorites to land his signature.