ORLANDO — Orlando City SC signed forward Daryl Dike via free agency through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with a club option for 2027-28, returning the 26-year-old striker to the club that drafted him fifth overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
The Lions also sent $75,000 in 2027 General Allocation Money to Seattle Sounders FC in exchange for Dike’s Discovery Priority. Seattle will receive an additional $75,000 GAM if certain performance-based metrics are met.
“Daryl is a player our club and our fans know well, and we’re very excited to welcome him back to Orlando,” said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager and Sporting Director. “He brings a powerful combination of strength, speed and physical presence, and his ability to hold up play, bring teammates into the attack and finish chances gives us another important option up front. Daryl has already shown what he can do in our league and in this city, and we look forward to helping him make an impact again in purple.”
Dike, born June 3, 2000, in Edmond, Oklahoma, returns to Central Florida after five seasons with West Bromwich Albion F.C. in England’s EFL Championship. The 6-foot-2 forward has totaled 43 goals and nine assists across 138 professional appearances. During his first stint with Orlando, Dike made 33 starts in 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and adding seven assists, including a team-leading 11 goals across all competitions during the 2021 campaign.
“I’m thrilled to be back where it all started. Orlando is where I first got the opportunity to play professionally, and returning here feels like coming home,” said Dike. “From the moment I arrived the first time, I felt welcomed, and that same feeling has only grown since I’ve come back. Everyone has been incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful to be back in Orlando.”
At the international level, Dike has made 10 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team, scoring three goals and helping the U.S. claim the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Orlando City returns to MLS action Wednesday against the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park at 10:30 p.m. ET before hosting Nashville SC at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, July 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET.