Catie Moore
A steady progression over the past few years has seen Orlando City go from being a mid-table team to one of the top sides in MLS. While they have only won the USO Cup in that time, they are one of the teams everyone in MLS fears. Orlando City hopes they can secure a few more signings to push their team to a level where they can compete for the MLS Cup in the playoffs. Below is our list of five signings Orlando City should make next season.
Aditya Vyas via Unsplash
- Alan Saldivia
One of the issues that teams can face when they enter the playoffs in MLS is that their backline may need to be up to standard against the best teams. While they can navigate a regular season, the playoffs are a new challenge. For this season, the MLS cup odds show that Orlando is a firm favorite, but not a guarantee to go all the way.
A signing such as Alan Saldivia may change the trajectory for this team. He is an outstanding young center-back who plays for Colo-Colo in Chile. Considered part of the nation’s golden generation of young talents coming through, the center-back may be ready to move to MLS in the coming months.
- Sergi Roberto
Many great players in Europe could do a job and much more in MLS. Securing them is challenging, even for a team like Orlando City that finished second last season. The club is on the up, progressing from being mid-table in 2017-2019 to being a team consistently among the MLS elite.
Orlando wants to go all the way in 2024, and Barcelona star Sergi Roberto could be one to provide them with that edge. The Catalan club’s skipper is a free agent in the summer and will likely move on from Europe for a new adventure. While Inter Miami is the favorite to sign him, Orlando may also want to try.
Karsten Winegart via Unsplash
- Raphael Varane
The Manchester United stalwart is set for a move in the summer, as he is out of contract. Raphael Varane has retired from international duty, which means he is available all year for his club side.
While Varane may still have a desire to stay in Europe, he has complained about having to play too many games in the past. He may be ready to move to a lesser-quality league, where he can use his experience and know-how to stay ahead.
Securing Varane would be a considerable coup, while it would show Orlando City is a club that means business.
- Andy Delort
Signing a center forward who can score a few extra goals for the team over the remainder of the season may be a possible move for Orlando City. Andy Delort is available as a free agent, with the 32-year-old yet to secure a team.
Having lost players such as Antonio Carlos and Luca Petrasso in the summer, Orlando does have some holes to fill in their roster. Other departures in the offseason included Mauricio Pereyra and Ercan Kara. While many signings have arrived, Delort could have an impact as a bench option.
He last played for Umm Salal SC, leaving in February 2024 at the expiry of his contract.
Photo by Emilio Garcia on Unsplash
- Joel Matip
One of the most seasoned defenders in the Premier League, Joel Matip, is out of contract in the summer.
The Liverpool star is currently sitting out with an injury but should be healthy in the summer when he decides on his next club. Matip may be looking for a new challenge, which Orlando City can offer.
Securing his signature may help the team become one of the best in MLS in the regular season and the playoffs. Oscar Pareja has done an outstanding job with the team since he arrived in 2019, especially considering the team hired five managers in the previous four years. But signings such as Matip may be necessary for Orlando to be a truly feared name in MLS.
Can Orlando City Go All the Way?
A solid finish last season saw Orlando City finish second in the regular season of the MLS. Unfortunately, Orlando could not translate that performance into a playoff run for the MLS Cup. The decision-makers at the club are now assessing their squad to ensure they can make that step up the next time they are in a playoff position. Orlando City wants to win the MLS Cup and will go all out in 2024 and 2025.
Comments