Sources: Griezmann to delay Atleti exit for MLS

Antoine Griezmann is likely to stay at Atlético Madrid next season, sources have told ESPN, despite his longstanding interest in playing in MLS, and links with a move to LAFC.

Forward Griezmann, 34 -- whose contract expires in 2026 -- remains a key player for Atlético, making 28 appearances in LaLiga this season.

The former France international has spoken frequently about his desire to end his career in the United States, calling it a "target" fuelled partly by his love of U.S. sports.

Sources told ESPN that Griezmann is now likely to continue at Atlético in 2025-26, rather than seek a move to MLS at this stage.

However, if Atlético were to ask high-earner Griezmann to consider a move in order to free up space on their wage bill, the player would be willing to consider it, sources said.

Griezmann has been frequently linked with joining LAFC, whose squad includes his former international teammates Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud.

"I've always said it, my target is to end up [in MLS]," Griezmann told ESPN in 2023. "It's my objective, to be there and end my career there, to be able to enjoy the sports there. I'm a big fan."

Atlético strengthened their forward line last summer by signing Julián Álvarez and Alexander Sørloth, leading to speculation that a departure for Griezmann could be imminent.

"Antoine is a fantastic player, a great person and an Atlético Madrid man," Atlético president Enrique Cerezo said on Thursday. "We have a great friendship and relationship with Griezmann. He'll do what he wants to do. It's him who has to take the decision to be here or be elsewhere."

Griezmann is Atlético's all-time leading goalscorer, but is yet to win either LaLiga or the Champions League with the club.

The team are third in LaLiga -- seven points behind leaders Barcelona -- and face Barça next week in their Copa del Rey semifinal second leg, having been eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in the round of 16.