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Ademola Lookman of Atletico de Madrid looks on. Copyright: ImagoxDennisxAgyemanx<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Super Eagles<\/a> star Ademola Lookman<\/a> 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bGriezmann has been linked with a move to the MLS for several months, with Orlando City consistently emerging as the most likely destination.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n BREAKING: Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City, here we go! Verbal agreement in place for French star to join MLS side.<\/p>\n Agreement on deal for July 2026, free transfer from Atl\u00e9tico.<\/p>\n After deal for March rejected, agreement done for summer. Griezmann will travel this week to\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/e3Nb3Ienjx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u200bDespite 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.<\/p>\n \u200bThe 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\u2019s squad \u2014 one he will likely look to fill before the start of next season.<\/p>\n \u200bWith Griezmann\u2019s departure confirmed for the summer, there will definitely be a void in the frontline. Given Atletico\u2019s heavy spending in recent windows and a lack of silverware, the club may opt against a marquee signing, choosing instead to pivot internally.<\/p>\n \u200bThis creates a rare opportunity for Diego Simeone to rethink Ademola Lookman\u2019s role.<\/p>\n \u200bCurrently, Lookman often operates as a wide midfielder in Simeone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u200bWith 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 \u2014 a role that mirrors the support striker position where he proved so lethal in Serie A.<\/p>\n \u200bNonetheless, 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.<\/p>\n While Lookman is more of a direct threat than a deep-lying creator, Simeone clearly trusts the 28-year-old.<\/a><\/p>\n \u200bIf 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.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/media.soccernet.ng\/main\/2026\/02\/imago1073015249.jpg\")
\u200bHow Griezmann\u2019s Exit Impacts Ademola Lookman<\/h2>\n
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Kelvin Omachonu” src=”https:\/\/media.soccernet.ng\/main\/2024\/06\/IMG-20240522-WA0001-150×150.jpg” height=”80″ width=”80″>\t\t<\/p>\n