Daryl Dike heads to Barnsley on loan

Daryl Dike’s appearance last night for the United States Men’s National Team has allowed for a surprise move to occur. Earlier, Orlando City announced the 20-year-old forward will head to EFL Championship side Barnsley FC on a short-term loan with a conditional right of recall. According to Julia Poe of the Orlando Sentinel, the deal includes an option for Barnsley to convert the loan into a permanent transfer, with the price tag at $20 million for 80% of Dike’s rights.

“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 City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

Daryl Dike was a #5 overall pick by Orlando in the 2020 MLS Superdraft from the Virginia Cavaliers. He was a finalist this season for MLS Young Player of the Year, finishing with 8 goals and 4 assists on the season.

Because Dike played last night in the USMNT’s 7-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago, he met the requirements to earn a work permit to play in the United Kingdom for 3 years.

Tremendous work by Gregg Berhalter and his staff to recognize that and put Dike in a position where this loan could happen. Dike gets to test himself in England after a tremendous rookie season for Orlando City.

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