- The Atletico Madrid and France striker has expressed his desire to play in MLS
- Griezmann is a big fan of American sports, frequently appearing at NBA games
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Sporting Kansas City coach Peter Vermes has addressed rumors linking Atletico Madrid and France striker Antoine Griezmann to the MLS side.
The whispers sprung from a jersey swap between Griezmann, 32, and Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes before Kansas City played against the Miami Dolphins in Frankfurt, Germany. Mahomes is also a part owner of Sporting KC.
During an open practice on Tuesday, Vermes, 56, was asked if he has been in contact with Griezmann, to which he simply answered ‘no’.
‘He’s a great player,’ Vermes said of the Frenchman. ‘Fantastic. Big time quality. He’s a world class player. If he’s interested, then he’d be a good player to start recruiting.’
While under contract with Atletico until 2026, Griezmann has repeatedly expressed his interest in playing in the United States in the future.
Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes broke silence about Antoine Griezmann rumors
Griezmann swapped jerseys with Chiefs star and Sporting KC part owner Patrick Mahomes
Griezmann admitted to eyeing the MLS after N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema signed massive contracts to play in Saudi Arabia.
‘I understand those who have to go there; we’re talking about incredible sums of money,’ Griezmann said. ‘Could I go? I have a family, three children. It’s not an easy decision to make. The MLS is still my priority.’
Griezmann was linked to Inter Miami following former FC Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi’s record-breaking move this summer. Messi’s arrival inspired a Barca reunion in Fort Lauderdale as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba followed the Argentine to Florida. Striker Luis Suarez is also scheduled to visit in December and likely to sign in 2024.
The Atletico Madrid striker is under contract until 2016 but expressed interest in the MLS
Sporting Kansas City will play the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference semifinals
‘I’ve always said that my objective would be to end there,’ Griezmann told the Daily Mail in August. ‘I like American sports, I’d like to play in MLS and…