Orlando City is finalizing a deal to transfer Luis Muriel to Junior FC, WESH 2 has learned from sources with knowledge of the information. Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra first reported the deal included a contract termination through a buyout. The Athletic added the deal was in the final stages. Muriel’s departure will open up a Designated Player spot for the Lions. The 34-year-old striker did not report to Monday’s first day of preseason training with Orlando City. The Colombian forward joined Orlando ahead of the 2024 season. His debut year with the Lions fell short of expectations, however. Muriel finished the 2024 season with underwhelming five goals in 33 appearances. The following year, his goal count did increase to 12 in all competitions, but finished the season on a 7-game scoring drought to conclude his time with Orlando City. Orlando sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira told WESH 2 last month that the team is going to be aggressive during the offseason and to their credit, they have. Tiago Souza and Luis Otavio signed U-22 Initiative deals with the team, respectively from Brazilian clubs Bahia and Internacional.Whether the team will focus its search on a DP before the season starts remains unclear. The team still has other roster holes that need filling.Orlando City kicks off the regular season on Feb. 21 against the New York Red Bulls at Inter&Co Stadium.
Orlando City is finalizing a deal to transfer Luis Muriel to Junior FC, WESH 2 has learned from sources with knowledge of the information.
Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra first reported the deal included a contract termination through a buyout. The Athletic added the deal was in the final stages.
Muriel’s departure will open up a Designated Player spot for the Lions.
The 34-year-old striker did not report to Monday’s first day of preseason training with Orlando City.
The Colombian forward joined Orlando ahead of the 2024 season.
His debut year with the Lions fell short of expectations, however.
Muriel finished the 2024 season with underwhelming five goals in 33 appearances. The following year, his goal count did increase to 12 in all competitions, but finished the season on a 7-game scoring drought to conclude his time with Orlando City.
Orlando sporting director and general manager Ricardo Moreira told WESH 2 last month that the team is going to be aggressive during the offseason and to their credit, they have.
Tiago Souza and Luis Otavio signed U-22 Initiative deals with the team, respectively from Brazilian clubs Bahia and Internacional.
Whether the team will focus its search on a DP before the season starts remains unclear. The team still has other roster holes that need filling.
Orlando City kicks off the regular season on Feb. 21 against the New York Red Bulls at Inter&Co Stadium.