BARNSLEY, England, United Kingdom – Orlando City SC striker Daryl Dike may have played his last match for the Lions as he attracts interest from European clubs while away on loan to Barnsley.
Dike has starred for Barnsley in the English Championship where he is currently on loan in the offseason from Orlando. Since joining the Yorkshire club he has managed seven goals in 13 appearances and won the club’s player and goal of the month awards in March.
It could have been very different for Dike, he only got a United Kingdom work permit thanks to one international appearance. He made that appearance as a substitute in the 65th minute, just one day before making his move to Barnsley.
With such an impressive return for the formerly struggling Championship side the Lions player has attracted interest from other clubs. That will lead to a hefty pay-off for Orlando, his loan deal is rumored to have a buy-out clause of $20 million and a 20 percent sell-on fee. That would be a very good return on the player that was drafted at a surprisingly low fifth place in the 2020 MLS Super Draft. He’s currently rated at $6.54 million by TransferMarkt.
The Lions have already turned down an offer that was considered too low, receiving a $10 million bid from one of England’s biggest clubs. Rumors abound that the club could have been one of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, or Tottenham. Dike is a lifelong fan of Chelsea so will be hoping that a stronger bid comes in from the Blues.
With his star role for the Reds, Dike has improved his standing in world soccer and will likely be a key part of Greg Berhalter’s attempt to get the USA Men’s side back to the World Cup in 2022.
Photo courtesy Orlando City SC
Florida Soccer Report 