TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Orlando City SC have acquired Colombian international striker Luis Muriel from Italian Serie A side Atalanta, the club announced Thursday.
The 32-year-old, alongside wingers Facundo Torres and Martín Ojeda, completes Orlando's Designated Player trio. His contract lasts through the 2026 MLS season.
Orlando reportedly spent a $1 million transfer fee to get Muriel before Matchday 1. His Atalanta contract was set to expire this summer.
"We are very excited to welcome Luis to Orlando. Whenever he’s on the field, he’s a player that is known to always be a threat to score, will force defenses to account for him at all times, and has the ability to combine with and make his teammates better," Luiz Muzzi, Orlando's EVP of soccer operations and general manager, said in a release.
"His accolades and statistics over his career thus far speak for themselves. He’s someone that we feel will help us take the next step in our pursuit to win trophies, not only this season but in the future as well."
Muriel has amassed 151g/73a in 471 all-competition appearances since making his professional debut in 2009 at Colombian outfit Deportivo Cali. He's scored over 100 goals in Italy's top flight and featured in over 50 matches across the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Muriel has contributed eight goals in 45 caps for Colombia, highlighted by time at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His international success is matched by an impressive club career that includes additional stints in Europe across Udinese, Granada, Lecce, Sampdoria, Sevilla and Fiorentina.
"I am very excited and happy to be here, to live the atmosphere that is this city of the team and with a lot of desire to get started," Muriel said.
"I had various offers when Oscar [Pareja] and Orlando called me. I made this decision when looking at the development of this club, the players here and the desires of everyone to win titles, all were things that went into my decision. I’m excited to get started."
Muriel arrives days after rising USMNT striker Duncan McGuire returned to Orlando following a failed move to English Championship club Blackburn Rovers. McGuire's loan deal fell through due to administrative issues.
Additionally, Muriel fills the DP slot Orlando opened last summer upon transferring Ercan Kara to Turkish Süper Lig club Samsunspor.
After a club-record 2023, Orlando open their new MLS season on Feb. 24 vs. CF Montréal (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
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