BARNSLEY, England – Orlando City SC can recall Daryl Dike from his loan with Barnsley in the English Championship on Monday with the loan officially expired on May 31st. That has lent some urgency to the English side trying to find a deal with the Lions to secure Dike’s services permanently.
OCSC’s CEO Alex Leitao confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that the club was planning on recalling Dike from the loan if a deal could not be agreed. He could certainly be of use at Exploria Stadium, with the Lions goal-scoring early in this season going missing, just one goal in the two matches so far.
While at Barnsley Dike has scored nine goals in 18 appearances, leading the scoring charts. While that has been good for Barnsley and lifted the side into the Playoffs places, currently eight points clear of seventh placed Reading, it’s even better for Dike who has seen his valuation soar while in England.
That increase in value may be what ends up pulling him away from England, Leitao made it clear that Barnsley needs to meet his valuation to pull him away and if they fail to do so will activate the recall clause.
It seems that the recall isn’t Orlando City’s first choice, mostly desiring to sell Dike for a proper valuation. There are concerns that returning him to the club will leave to him resenting wearing the purple jersey but Leitao is confident in Dike’s professionalism.
Whatever happens with Barnsley this certainly won’t be the end of Dike’s European journey as the Lions will no doubt see offers for his services coming in. The club already rejected a $10 million offer while his market value is currently five million Euros according to Transfer Market.
After lengthy discussions Dike will remain with Barnsley throughout the Playoffs, the teams agreeing to the extension (or rather Orlando not activating the recall clause.
Photo: Orlando City SC
Florida Soccer Report 