Atletico Madrid Eye Barcelona Forward as Potential Griezmann Replacement

Key Takeaways:

• Antoine Griezmann finalised his transfer to Orlando City earlier this week, ending his time at Atletico Madrid
• Sporting director Mateu Alemany has identified Lee Kang-in, Mason Greenwood, and Ferran Torres as potential successors
• Atletico Madrid aim to strengthen their squad this summer to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid

Atleti Seek Solution after Griezmann Exit

Earlier this week, Antoine Griezmann completed his move from Atletico Madrid, having signed a contract with Major League Soccer outfit Orlando City. The 35-year-old will depart following the conclusion of the European season, bringing an end to a remarkable spell with Los Colchoneros. In response, the club have begun the search for a suitable replacement to fill the attacking void left by the French forward.

The responsibility of sourcing Griezmann’s successor now rests with sporting director Mateu Alemany. As indicated by Sport, Alemany has already formulated a three-man shortlist, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in reportedly topping the list.

🚨🇪🇸 Ferran Torres is one of the players Mateu Alemany likes the most.

[🎖️: @MatteMoretto via @RadioMARCA/@Objetivoatleti] pic.twitter.com/wBR8u8gtsk

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 26, 2026

The Candidates: Lee Kang-in, Mason Greenwood, and Ferran Torres

Lee Kang-in attracted Atletico’s interest as early as January, at a time when the club sought to replace the Atalanta-bound Giacomo Raspadori. Although they eventually opted for Ademola Lookman, the South Korean international remained on their radar. Lee, who currently plays for PSG, is expected to have an opportunity to return to La Liga during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Mason Greenwood is also being monitored closely by Atleti officials, having impressed during his stint at Marseille. The former Getafe winger’s finishing ability, pace, and La Liga experience have particularly caught the attention of the club, who see him as a potential focal point in attack in the post-Griezmann era.

Completing the shortlist is Ferran Torres. Alemany, who previously signed Torres as Barcelona’s sporting director in 2022, is known to be an admirer. With Barcelona now reportedly willing to sanction Torres’ departure, there may be increased scope for negotiations as they focus on keeping Robert Lewandowski and pursuing a new number nine, possibly including Atleti’s Julian Alvarez in their plans.

Strategic Approach for the Summer Window

This summer promises to be pivotal for Atletico Madrid, who are determined to further narrow the gap separating them from Barcelona and Real Madrid. The task of finding a worthy successor to Griezmann places the spotlight firmly on Alemany, with significant pressure to ensure that the chosen forward can seamlessly step into the considerable role left vacant and maintain Atleti’s ambitions at the highest level.