Soccer
Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid looks on. Copyright: ImagoxDennisxAgyemanx
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman could be set for a tactical shift at Atletico Madrid, as Antoine Griezmann prepares to join Major League Soccer side Orlando City, according to Soccernet.ng.
Griezmann has been linked with a move to the MLS for several months, with Orlando City consistently emerging as the most likely destination.
While it initially seemed like he might leave the Metropolitano in January, negotiations stalled. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on Monday morning that the Frenchman has finally reached an agreement with Orlando City to join at the end of the current campaign.
BREAKING: Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for French star to join MLS side.
Agreement on deal for July 2026, free transfer from Atlético.
After deal for March rejected, agreement done for summer. Griezmann will travel this week to… pic.twitter.com/e3Nb3Ienjx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2026
Despite having a contract that runs through next season, Griezmann is expected to join the MLS club on a free transfer, marking the end of his successful 20-year career in European football.
The departure of the 35-year-old will be a big shift for Los Colchoneros. As a club icon with nearly 500 appearances, 211 goals, and 97 assists, his exit will leave a big void in Diego Simeone’s squad — one he will likely look to fill before the start of next season.
How Griezmann’s Exit Impacts Ademola Lookman
With Griezmann’s departure confirmed for the summer, there will definitely be a void in the frontline. Given Atletico’s heavy spending in recent windows and a lack of silverware, the club may opt against a marquee signing, choosing instead to pivot internally.
This creates a rare opportunity for Diego Simeone to rethink Ademola Lookman’s role.
Currently, Lookman often operates as a wide midfielder in Simeone’s rigid 4-4-2 formation. While this allows him to use his pace out wide, it also forces him deeper into defensive duties. This is a stark contrast to his time at Atalanta, where he flourished as an inverted winger or a second striker.
With Griezmann moving on, Lookman could be allowed to move into a more advanced attacking role. He could transition into a two-pronged strike partnership, playing closer to the goal — a role that mirrors the support striker position where he proved so lethal in Serie A.
Nonetheless, replacing Griezmann is no small task. The Frenchman is unique for the way he drops deep into midfield to orchestrate play, acting as a hybrid between a playmaker and a finisher.
While Lookman is more of a direct threat than a deep-lying creator, Simeone clearly trusts the 28-year-old.
If Lookman is tested in this advanced role during the pre-season and manages to adapt his playmaking, he could prove to be the perfect successor when Griezmann leave the Estadio Metropolitano.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
Read MoreKelvin Omachonu