Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has ruled out Antoine Griezmann’s exit from the club, amid speculation he could leave in March. Sporting Director Mateu Alemany has gone ahead, revealing that they expect him to be at the club.
This week, news emerged that Griezmann is in advanced talks with Orlando City who play in Major League Soccer, but what surprised everyone is that he may leave next month. Orlando is keen to complete a deal before the MLS transfer window closes on March 26, however this would also mean leaving Atletico two months before the end of the season, with the Copa del Rey final just around the corner.
‘We shouldn’t put pressure on Griezmann’
Speaking ahead of Atletico Madrid’s trip to Real Oviedo on Saturday night, Simeone had questions about Griezmann’s exit.
“I understand your question, I was clear one day, I was focused on tomorrow’s game and how important Antoine is to us,” he told Marca.
“I’m not going to talk about a story where we don’t know what’s going to happen, or repeat how important Antoine is to us.”
Thirdly, Simeone asked that Griezmann be allowed to make his decision in peace.
“I’ll say it again, we’re talking to Antoine and we shouldn’t pressure him or talk too much. Antoine already knows how important he is to us and we’re focused on the good things ahead: Oviedo, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Tottenham … there’s nowhere else.”
🚨🤯 If Atlético Madrid advance to the QF of the UCL and the final of the CdR, this is how their schedule could look like:
March 22: Real Madrid (La Liga)
April 5: Barca (La Liga)
April 8: Barça (UCL)
April 12: Sevilla (La Liga)
April 15: Barça (UCL)
April 18: CdR final pic.twitter.com/nQQcJK8SlU– Atlético Universe (@atletiuniverse) February 27, 2026
Simeone refused to be drawn in the Tottenham Champions League draw
Earlier in the day, Atletico Madrid found out they will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League Round of 16. As is Simeone’s habit, he was reluctant to look beyond their next game.
“He is a strong competitor, an important player in world football, and we will talk more when the game is closer. I am not thinking about the Champions League right now, but about Oviedo.”
Alemany: Griezmann has a contract with us
Speaking at the Champions League match in Nyon, Sporting Director Mateu Alemany was very specific, expressing his hope that Griezmann will be there until the end of the season.
“This is a topic that creates a lot of speculation in the media. Antoine has two more years left on his contract with us, he is focused on the future, and his performance has been very good,” said Marca.
“For us, we are focused on helping us tomorrow, helping us on Tuesday, helping us in the Champions League, helping us until the end of the season, nothing else. Everything else is speculation.”
If Griezmann decides to leave, then his last game at the Metropolitano will be next week at home to Real Sociedad. The 34-year-old is left in no doubt that he is wanted by Simeone and the club, but it could cost him millions if he decides to stay.
