Griezmann makes MLS transfer decision as attacker agrees pay-cut

Antoine Griezmann contract sagas have never been short of drama, but the Atletico Madrid attacker has now taken a definitive stance over his future.

Griezmann has long been linked with a move to MLS for the final years of his career, with the France international legend having been closely associated with Los Angeles FC.

But the 34-year-old has elected to sign a new two-year deal with Atletico Madrid that will keep him at Diego Simeone’s side until 2027 and end speculation over an imminent move to the US, Relevo reports.

The Spanish report says that a summer move is now “ruled out”, with Simeone still counting on the forward as a key player, despite his numbers dropping this season. He still has a commendable 16 goals and seven assists.

The Atleti coach had asked the club to make an effort to keep the player, who has in turn elected to take a pay-cut to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Indeed, this represents something of a surprise U-turn given that Atletico Madrid even expected him to leave in the summer. With little over 12 months left on his contract, they would have fully respected his decision.

Decisive talks held in March

Griezmann has played 435 matches for Atleti over two spells, scoring 197 goals, so it would have been a major coup for an MLS franchise to sign such a player.

Talks were held in March between Atletico Madrid and Griezmann and proved to be productive, with the Frenchman harbouring doubts over moving to LAFC.

Atleti can now focus their summer efforts on signing a new defensive line, with two centre-backs and a left-back high on the shopping list of the club.

Simeone’s side were also bracing themselves to sign a couple of forwards, too, but Griezmann’s decision has changed the course of the summer.

Despite the rumours, Griezmann will not move to LAFC but will instead remain with Atletico Madrid for another two years.