LAFC is on the verge of adding a standout French World Cup winner to their roster: Antoine Griezmann.
According to Tom Bogert and Ben Jacobs from GiveMeSport, LAFC is actively negotiating with Griezmann, whose contract with Atlético Madrid expires next summer. French outlet L’Equipe has also confirmed these discussions.
Though the deal could potentially happen this summer, it is more likely to take place during the MLS offseason or next summer. Sources believe it’s only a matter of time before the move is finalized.
Griezmann, who has a release clause of €10 million ($10.9 million USD) this summer, could be Atlético’s last chance to receive a transfer fee for the 33-year-old, who is a two-time Ballon d’Or finalist. Atlético is reportedly open to keeping him for another year, and Griezmann himself is content at the club, having scored 24 goals and provided eight assists last season.
Griezmann has previously expressed interest in MLS, and if he joins LAFC, he would reunite with fellow French internationals Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud, creating a formidable attacking lineup alongside Giroud and former MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga.
Related Read: Olivier Giroud Enthusiastic About Joining ‘Striker’s League’ with LAFC
Giroud and Griezmann both competed for France at EURO 2024 this summer, with Giroud making four substitute appearances in his final international tournament and Griezmann starting four of Les Bleus’ six matches.
Giroud revealed last week, “When he saw the news I signed for LAFC, he was a bit jealous. I texted him when I saw he was linked with the club, and he told me ‘let’s see.’”
Griezmann previously expressed his desire to play in MLS, saying last summer amidst Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, “I’ve always said that my goal would be to end there… I’d like to play in MLS and enjoy it—be competitive, win, and play at my best level.”
To facilitate Griezmann’s potential move, LAFC has managed their resources to allow for his signing within the current window, with the option to buy down the contract of third DP Eduard Atuesta to free up a DP slot.
The MLS summer transfer window closes on August 14.
