Antoine Griezmann Transfer to LAFC: Rumors and The Star’s Potential Impact on MLS

The talks of an Antoine Griezmann transfer to LAFC are making “soccer” fans in the US excited. The Frenchman’s flair, versatility, and football intelligence have been essential to the success of Atlético Madrid and the French national team. Earlier this year, it was revealed that he has a $16.6 million release clause in his current contract with Atlético and has expressed interest in playing in the US.

Antoine Griezmann’s transfer to LAFC makes a lot of sense considering that French national teammate Oliver Giroud and former teammate and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris are already with LAFC. He’d be in familiar company and have an opportunity to be a star for years to come.

As a player, his main strength on the football pitch is adaptability and prowess to score, having become Atlético’s all-time leading scorer last season and dubbed La Liga Player of the Year in 2023. He’s versatile in playing as a classic forward, wide forward, and an attacking midfielder. He’s also been deployed as a right-wing midfielder, and he can be very effective thanks to being left-footed. His proven versatility on the field makes him a perfect fit for LAFC. Under head coach Steve Cherundolo, positional interchange and quick transitions are central to the team’s identity. Griezmann could beautifully fit into this setup, a player any coach would love to have, a machine all over the field.

If we’re looking at tactical aspects, LAFC’s current formation offers multiple roles that Griezmann could occupy. The most obvious fit for him would be the role of a second striker, playing behind a forward like Dénis Bouanga or Cristian Olivera. In this role, Griezmann could link play between midfield and attack while also taking advantage of his lethal finishing ability in and around the box. Griezmann’s tireless work rate would fit LAFC’s dynamic and high-pressing style. Despite being 33 years old, Antoine remains one of the hardest-working forwards in Europe, constantly tracking back on the field to help in defense and initiate counterattacks. His playmaking ability is often overshadowed by his goal-scoring exploits, but Griezmann has consistently demonstrated his vision and ability to pick out runs others may miss. With Carlos Vela and Timothy Tillman in the squad, LAFC would gain another elite distributor who can unlock defenses with a single pass. Imagine LAFC’s multifaceted attacks on the field with such creative players. 

Griezmann’s signing would also be a game-changer in MLS, where quick transitions often catch defenses out. His defensive contribution is one of the most underappreciated aspects of Griezmann’s game. In Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid, every player is expected to defend from the front, and Griezmann never disappoints when it comes to defense. LAFC would benefit enormously from his tenacity and tactical discipline, especially when pressing high up the pitch. MLS defenses can be error-prone under pressure, so they would struggle to cope with the added dimension of Griezmann hunting for turnovers alongside LAFC’s aggressive midfielders.

It should be mentioned more often how important the ‘cultural fit’ is between player and team, especially when thinking long-term. Griezmann is known to be an admirer of American culture. He’s fascinated with basketball, particularly the NBA, and loves the LA lifestyle. The city’s vibrant mix of entertainment, sports, and culture would be an ideal landing spot for someone who embraces the global nature of modern football. Paired with Griezmann’s charisma and off-the-field persona would make him a marketing dream for both LAFC and MLS. He could be the next David Beckham or Zlatan Ibrahimović, but with the unique blend of an authentic connection to American culture and a reputation as one of the most selfless superstars in the game.

Griezmann’s arrival could also elevate the perception of MLS in European circles. The league has grown tremendously in the past decade but still carries the stigma of being a retirement destination for ageing stars. Griezmann is far from a retiree, and his recent performances for Atlético Madrid and France show that he still operates at an elite level. If he were to choose MLS while still capable of performing in Europe’s top leagues, it could shift the narrative from MLS being a final stop to it being a legitimate choice for players still in their prime competitive years. Griezmann’s potential arrival indicates that MLS can attract top-tier talent, even as other emerging markets like Saudi Arabia and Brazil try to lure away football stars with lucrative offers.

In terms of chemistry with the LAFC squad, Griezmann’s unselfish nature and willingness to adapt would make him flourish at the club. He’s thrived alongside superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé without disrupting the team dynamic. These traits at LAFC would be invaluable in maintaining the harmony of a team that is already well-drilled and cohesive. Vela, who has been LAFC’s talisman since its inception, would likely find a kindred spirit in Griezmann. Both of them can dazzle when it comes to solo efforts while understanding the value of teamwork leading to collective success. No ego clashes in LA.

As MLS is becoming increasingly competitive, with teams like Inter Miami and Cincinnati making big-name signings, Griezmann’s move would undoubtedly boost LAFC’s ambitions in both domestic and international competitions. LAFC needs a player who offers star power and delivers consistently in crucial moments to stay ahead. Griezmann is a proven match-winner, whether scoring in the World Cup final or stepping up in high-stakes La Liga encounters. He rises to the occasion, and this could finally set LAFC apart in tightly contested matches, particularly during the playoffs and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The potential Antoine Griezmann transfer to LAFC could have ripple effects similar to how Lionel Messi’s arrival boosted the league’s popularity regarding media coverage, viewership numbers and bets wagered on the MLS by fans and viewers. While Griezmann doesn’t have the star power of Messi, who is arguably the best football player in history, he could raise interest in the league worldwide—attracting new fans, increasing the league’s marketability, boosting sportsbook wagers, and motivating more people to tune into the matches.

Since the MLS transfer window closed on August 14, Griezmann won’t wear black and gold this summer. He’ll remain with Atletico alongside Julián Álvarez for at least another year. Then, we’ll likely see Antoine Griezmann transfer to LAFC in 2025, given the relatively low price tag and the Frenchman’s interest in playing there.