The Black & Gold are working hard towards reaching a third consecutive MLS Cup final and after Olivier Giroud’s arrival, they have their sights set on landing Griezmann next.
Rodrigo SerranoRodASerranoDiego GorostietaDiegsGorostietaAndy HallEstados UnidosUpdate: Jul 27th, 2024 18:23 EDT0
FABRICE COFFRINIAFP
LAFC are hoping to maintain their high standards in the Western Conference and in MLS in general with the aim of reaching the MLS Cup final for a third consecutive year. Steve Cherundolo’s team currently sit second in the standings on 47 points – just two behind leaders (LA Galaxy) but with two games in hand. All in all, they are perfectly positioned as the competition is about to enter its final and most interesting stretch.
Black & Gold fans have grown accustomed to seeing the team battling to be among the league’s frontrunners and attracting top-level players. This season, after the arrival of World Cup winners Olivier Giroud and Hugo Lloris, the plan is to reunite them with one of their old acquaintances.
How much would Griezmann cost?
The operation to complete a side with a distinct French influence is underway and as recently reported by L’Equipe, Antoine Griezmann is the new objective who the Los Angeles franchise have their sight set on. The board of directors are already working hard behind the scenes to complete what would be one of MLS’ bombshell signings.
AS USA was able to learn from sources close to the LAFC that the intention is for Griezmann to join this summer and a so-called Griezmann plan has been set in motion.
We can confirm that while Griezmann’s release clause is active, which means that LAFC could land the 33-year-old for as little as $18 million (10 million euros). Griezmann has two years left on his contract with Atlético Madrid (June 2026).
No place like it 👏Good morning, Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/iShPyTKBCJ
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 27, 2024
The keys to LAFC executing the ‘Griezmann Plan’
Sources revealed to AS USA that the desire to sign Griezmann this summer rather than wait until 2025 is real. It was even mentioned that the club already has reserved a squad number for the French forward – the No.10 left vacant by his great friend Carlos Vela, who left as a free agent in December last year after failing to striker a new deal.
That’s the first small step in the Griezmann plan, next will be the operational and entirely economic aspect, which will be essential if LA wants to bring Grizzy to the West Coast. LAFC have hopes to offer the player a deal which would make him the second best-paid player in MLS after Messi.
