TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:\u00a0Signing<\/p>\n
Orlando City<\/a> have signed striker Daryl Dike<\/a>, securing a reunion with a fan favorite.<\/p>\n The 26-year-old is under contract through the 2027 Sprint Season with an option for 2027-2028. He joins on a free transfer after playing for EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion.<\/p>\n The Lions also sent $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money\u00a0(GAM)\u00a0to Seattle Sounders FC<\/a> in exchange for Dike\u2019s Discovery Priority. Seattle will receive an\u00a0additional\u00a0$75,000 GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDaryl is a player our club and our fans know well, and we\u2019re very excited to welcome him back to Orlando,\u201d said general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira. \u201cHe brings a powerful combination of strength, speed and physical presence, and his ability to hold up play, bring teammates into the attack and finish chances gives us another important option up front.<\/p>\n “Daryl has already shown what he can do in our league and in this city, and we look forward to helping him make an impact again in purple.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Initially selected by Orlando in the first round (No. 5 overall) of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, Dike spent two seasons with the club. He contributed 19g\/4a in 41 appearances and was an MLS Young Player of the Year finalist in 2020.<\/p>\n Dike also spent time on loan at English Championship side Barnsley, where he netted nine goals in 22 matches.<\/p>\n After starring for Orlando, Dike was transferred to West Brom for reportedly around $9.5 million. He featured for the Baggies 68 times over five seasons and tallied 11g\/3a. However, multiple serious injuries kept him sidelined for long periods.<\/p>\n “I’m thrilled to be back where it all started. Orlando is where I first got the opportunity to play professionally, and returning here feels like coming home,\u201d said Dike.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom the moment I arrived the first time, I felt welcomed, and that same feeling has only grown since I’ve come back. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful to be back in Orlando.”\u00a0<\/p>\n Internationally, Dike has scored three goals in 10 appearances for the USMNT. He helped the Yanks win the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dike is the latest addition to Orlando City’s revamped attack, joining French superstar Antoine Griezmann<\/a> as the club’s second arrival during the summer transfer window. Orlando also recently traded<\/a> striker\u00a0Duncan McGuire<\/a> to Houston Dynamo FC<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n