Is Antoine Griezmann about to turn LAFC into an MLS superpower?
The soccer transfer market always has a way of surprising us, but the possibility of Antoine Griezmann playing for Los Angeles FC is one of those jaw-dropping moments that makes you stop and think: "Could this really happen?" After securing Olivier Giroud, the all-time leading scorer for the French national team, the Los Angeles club now has its sights set on another Les Bleus legend, Griezmann, the 2018 World Cup winner.
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Giroud, in his introductory press conference, already dropped a hint of what could be coming: “When he saw the news that I signed with LAFC, he was a little jealous. I told him, ‘Don’t worry, I hope we meet up soon.’” Well, my friend, Giroud’s not just talking. He knows Griezmann loves the U.S., and it’s only a matter of time before he crosses the Atlantic.
LAFC has been one of the most ambitious teams in MLS when it comes to building a powerhouse roster. Signing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Giroud already made that clear. Adding Griezmann would be the cherry on top, a Hollywood version of what Inter Miami did with Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Giroud can’t hide his excitement: “It would be incredible, crazy, to have him on the team with Hugo after what we accomplished with France. Playing together again would be insane. I can’t even imagine it.”
And who can? But if soccer has taught us anything, it’s that the unimaginable can sometimes become reality. Taylor Twellman, an MLS Season Pass analyst, had already predicted this: “I said Griezmann and LAFC were a natural match waiting to happen.” And he might just be right. The Californian club is reportedly advancing talks with the 33-year-old player, according to L'Equipe. With a €10 million release clause in his contract with Atlético Madrid, Griezmann’s transfer seems more than feasible.
Just imagine, Griezmann, Giroud, and Lloris, all on the same team, all World Cup winners. LAFC has made an offer that would make Griezmann the second-highest earner in MLS, second only to Messi. That’s no small feat, right? And the most intriguing part is that Griezmann has already expressed his desire to play in MLS before ending his career. So, it’s not just a fan’s dream, but also the player’s.
Griezmann is still playing at a high level, scoring 24 goals for Atlético last season. His technical and creative playing style could greatly benefit LAFC, who’s fighting for the top spot in the Western Conference. With his ability to drop into the midfield and create chances for his teammates, he could be the game-changer the team needs to stand out even more.
Griezmann joining LAFC would be a masterstroke, not just for the club but for MLS as a whole. The league is growing in popularity and quality, and bringing in international stars of his caliber only boosts its prestige. It’s a strategy we’ve seen work with other big names, and it could propel MLS to a new level on the global soccer stage.
Of course, there’s always that natural skepticism. Will Griezmann adapt to the MLS style of play? Can he maintain the same level of performance? But, let’s be honest, we’re talking about one of the most talented and versatile players in modern soccer. If anyone can make it happen, it’s Griezmann.
And for LAFC fans, all that’s left to do is hope this transfer becomes a reality. The thought of seeing Griezmann, Giroud, and Lloris together on the field is thrilling. And who knows, this trio could lead the team to new heights, maybe even an MLS Cup. In the end, that’s what makes soccer so exciting: the possibility of the unexpected, the incredible, and the unbelievable coming to life.
So, keep an eye out, because if Griezmann does make the move to LAFC, we’ll be witnessing a historic moment in MLS. A moment that could change the game forever and solidify the league as one of the most enticing destinations for soccer’s biggest stars.