

Although the Frenchman’s contract runs until 2026, his departure seems imminent as the player is reportedly considering a new adventure outside European football, with Los Angeles FC in MLS being the most likely destination.
In light of this scenario, the club is moving quickly to find a reliable replacement. The leading candidate to fill Griezmann's shoes is Alex Baena, the talented attacking midfielder from Villarreal, whose quality and vision have captured the attention of several teams.
The executives at Atletico view Baena as a strategic long-term investment. His playing style, intensity, and technical prowess make him a perfect fit for Diego Simeone’s system. Moreover, with Griezmann's exit appearing imminent, the urgency to find a player capable of fulfilling a similar role has become paramount.
In the coming weeks, Atletico will look to expedite negotiations to secure his transfer and finalize Griezmann’s replacement as soon as possible.