TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Loan
Orlando City SC have sent forward Daryl Dike to English side Barnsley on a short-term loan, the club announced Monday. The deal includes a clause in which Orlando can recall the forward.
Dike, 20, was among the league's brightest breakout stars in 2020. After being selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the SuperDraft, Dike broke into Orlando's first team and had eight goals and four assists in 17 appearances. He also earned numerous call-ups to the US national team.
“Daryl had a tremendous rookie season with us here in Orlando, one that helped lead our Club to the postseason and, on a personal level, be rewarded with multiple call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team,” Orlando EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said in a club statement. “We believe this opportunity with Barnsley will present another step in his career, to not only develop in a new footballing environment, but to challenge himself in a new country and we’re excited for him to bring those learnings back to us here in Orlando.”
Barnsley currently sit 12th in the Championship, eight points behind sixth place, which would earn a place in the promotion playoffs. The top two clubs in the Championship earn promotion to the Premier League, while third through sixth enter a playoff to determine the final promoted club.
Dike was reportedly drawing interest from Club Brugge earlier this year, while Barnsley were among the teams who had hoped to sign Reggie Cannon from FC Dallas before he moved to Boavista.
“Orlando has helped me so much in my career in such a short time, and working together to provide this opportunity for me is just another example of that,” Dike said. “I’m very grateful to have a deal that will be beneficial for both myself and the club. I’m excited to continue my development and keep up my fitness while with Barnsley and look forward to bringing what I learn back to Orlando to continue our success here in MLS.”
