Antoine Griezmann could follow Messi to MLS as offers made for Atletico star

06 September 2023 , 20:05

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Antoine Griezmann has not been shy acknowledging his desire to play in the MLS during the final years of his career (Image: Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Antoine Griezmann could follow in Lionel Messi's footsteps and become the next superstar to head to MLS after previously expressing interest in a move to America.

The Frenchman has made no secret of his love for the country in the past and has even teased that he would like to finish his career in MLS. The 32-year-old completed his return to Atletico Madrid last summer but there is now interest in his services from MLS clubs.

According to Sport, the former Barcelona attacker has admirers at three clubs in MLS. And the one-time World Cup winner's current employers believe the player would favour a move at the end of this current campaign.

It's claimed that Griezmann desires a less pressurised environment to continue his career and Diego Simeone's outfit may be willing to grant him his wish. Despite the former Real Sociedad forward being under contract until 2026 in the Spanish capital, they may let him move to America if they receive a satisfactory offer.

It's also reported that the Wanda Metropolitano club have already started succession planning, with Juventus star Frederico Chiesa a potential replacement. A successful move for the Italian winger could be expected to set them back some £51 million ($64m).

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This revelation will not come as a shock to many observers, especially with the prolific goalscorer's public proclamations of his wish to move to the US one day. In a previous interview with L'Equipe, the silky playmaker seemingly admitted he would be open to a move to MLS.

Speaking in 2018, the world-famous star said: "If [David] Beckham wants me in his club, then I'll go. I want to finish my career in the U.S. I don't know yet if it's going to be in Miami or Los Angeles. Two great cities. I like the mentality and the show culture of the U.S."

Antoine Griezmann has been open about his desire to play in MLS in the future (Le Grand Entretien)

Furthermore, Griezmann also reiterated his desire in a recent interview, telling Mail Sport: "I've always said that my objective would be to end there. Because I like American sports, I’d like to play in MLS and to enjoy playing there – to be competitive, to be able to win there and to play at my top level.

"But first of all, I’d like to continue to make history here. To win titles here with Atletico. We’ll see obviously in the future but for me one of my objectives is to end up playing in MLS."

If Inter Miami were to win the race for the Frenchman's signature, they would have an international player spot on their roster for him to fill. However, they do currently have the maximum of three Designated Player spots - the name given to stars earning in excess of the league's salary cap - already filled.

There is no doubt that the 121-time international very much remains at the top of his game, albeit following a mixed spell at Camp Nou. He re-found his magic touch last season and notched a respectable 15 goals in his 38 league outings for Atleti, while also helping France to the World Cup final.

Tom Beattie