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Interesting reports emerged from Portugal last week with Record claiming that Benfica B are apparently close to signing current Orlando City SC Designated Player Carlos Rivas.

With Record’s report containing few other details at this stage other than the claim they are “close”, this is still firmly a rumour right now.

After all, since this rumour hit the web, Carlos Rivas received a rare start for the Lions when interim head coach Bobby Murphy started him as a centre forward in the midweek 2-0 loss at New York Red Bulls.

Nonetheless, Benfica B’s alleged interest in Carlos Rivas opens up an entire debate regarding the Colombian’s current status at Orlando City SC.

As well all know, the 22-year-old rookie winger was signed on a Designated Player’s salary following his transfer from Deportivo Cali in 2015.

With Kaká obviously on these terms as well as current Orlando City B man Bryan Róchez, many City supporters have claimed the Lions aren’t making the most out of DP status at large and it’s pretty much impossible to disagree.

In an Orlando City UK feature that explored whether DP status is criminally overlooked by Orlando City SC back in May, both Carlos Rivas and Bryan Róchez were amongst the top 10 current Major League Soccer DP’s receiving the fewest opportunities so far in 2016.

With Kaká plummeting down that list to join them with tonight’s fixture at Vancouver Whitecaps representing the TENTH game our captain has missed in 2016, Orlando City SC are getting very little out of their three DP’s right now.

While Record‘s report doesn’t confirm whether Benfica B are interested in a permanent deal or loan switch, to sell Carlos Rivas for good would indeed open up a DP slot which most think could be better served elsewhere.

And after all, we are in the midst of the secondary mid-season transfer window but with the club still needing to appoint Adrian Heath‘s permanent successor, this unresolved issue can’t be helping Orlando City SC‘s recruitment drive.

Orlando City SC fans watch this space for any further developments.