pwshub.com

LAFC can give Beckham's Inter Miami a blackeye with Griezmann signing

Los Angeles FC bosses could be making a sensational move fro Athletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, as he enters the last year of his contract with the Spanish giants.

If it were to happen, it would be a significant coup for LAFC bosses, who would be pulling one over on MLS rivals, David Beckham-owned, Inter Miami. 

Griezmann, now 33, is known to be keen on a move to the United States, after long being the subject of interest to several MLS clubs in north America.

Reports in French daily, L'Equipe, said the World Cup-winning forward was likely to reunite with old Barcelona teammates, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in Florida, but this has been thrown into doubt after LA chiefs want to put an audacious move for the Frenchman, together.  

Griezmann is entering the final year of his contract with Atletico Madrid, and is believed to have no interest in staying in the Diego Simeone-managed team, after a second stint at the club that has lasted three years.  

Atletico forward Antoine Griezmann could make a shock move to MLS side, Los Angeles FC

The versatile forward would be able to leave as a free agent upon the expiry of his current agreement, which comes to an end in June 2025.

For MLS clubs interested, Griezmann wouldn't come at an extravagant cost, with a relatively low release clause of £8.4million ($11million). 

LAFC have already brought major European talent to the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California – albeit it players in the latter stages of their career.

This includes compatriots Hugo Lloris and Oliver Giroud, who have both left European leagues to join wind-down their careers on the US's west coast.

David Beckhmam's Inter Miami were thought to be in pole position to sign the Frenchman

Griezmann (right) could yet reunite with former teammates Messi (left) and Suarez (centre)

Griezmann also has been clear about his love for American sports and that he envisions himself playing Stateside. Last year, he was quoted as saying: 'My target is to end up there.

'With everything that I like about American sports, playing in MLS and enjoying myself, being able to win things and be at my best level.

'First I want to make history here and win trophies at Atleti. After that we'll see... I think the arrival of Leo [Messi], 'Busi' [Sergio Busquets] and Jordi [Alba] is good for the league. 

That and signing younger players, especially from South America, it's the best thing the league can do.'

Source: dailymail.co.uk

Related stories
1 month ago - Major League Soccer leading goalscorer Cristian Arango of Real Salt Lake was suspended for four games by the league on Monday for violating the MLS Anti-Harassment Policy.
2 weeks ago - MATT O'RILEY is poised to tie up his record-breaking move to Brighton after Celtic last night agreed a deal in principle with the Seagulls worth up to £30m.
3 weeks ago - Diego Rossi's two second-half goals launched the reigning MLS champion Columbus Crew over defending champion Inter Miami 3-2 to reach the Leagues Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.
2 weeks ago - KYOGO FURUHASHI could be set for a stunning move to Manchester City with the Celtic forward high on a shortlist of names to replace Julian Alvarez.
Other stories
53 minutes ago - RIATH Al-SAMARRAI: These are peculiar times indeed at St James' Park, where the stabbing of backs and the covering of backsides are being performed with no shortage of enthusiasm.
1 hour ago - DANNY MURPHY: You know the old saying that simplicity is genius? That applied from a footballing point of view last night. If it was the start of Carsley's audition, he's done himself no harm.
3 hours ago - Pressure has increased on the Dutchman on the back of his side's 3-0 defeat by Liverpool last Sunday, with the Red Devils losing two of their first three matches of the Premier League season.
3 hours ago - Aryna Sabalenka won her maiden US Open title on Sunday after beating USA's Jessica Pegula in straight sets at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
4 hours ago - COMMENT BY JONATHAN McEVOY: Even in stuttering victory in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland part of a national heritage was burnt before the game started.