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With Orlando City SC completing transfers for both Mohamed El-Munir and Jose Villarreal yesterday, there is already word about the next potential incoming.
In what would be a controversial move amongst Lions supporters, MLS reporter Jeff Rueter tweeted that Orlando City SC are “finalizing” a deal for New York Red Bulls captain Sacha Kljestan.
Previously linked to both LA Galaxy and Minnesota United this off-season, Orlando City SC have now reportedly joined the mix.
With New York Red Bulls closing in on a club record deal for Club Atlético Huracán winger and attacking midfielder Alejandro Romero Gamarra, this places further weight to the Sacha Kljestan to Orlando City SC rumour.
Assists
With Kaká now retired, Orlando City SC desperately need to replace the Brazilian superstar’s abilities to assist.
Registering 14, 20 and 17 assists in each of his three MLS seasons at New York Red Bulls since joining from Anderlecht, there is no doubting the fact Sacha Kljestan is a creator.
Earning 52 caps for the United States national side since 2007, he is a vastly experienced competitor but would City supporters accept him as one of their own?
Controversial
Currently the captain of New York Red Bulls, Sacha Kljestan has long been a how shall we say… extremely vocal presence on the field.
Involved in an extremely heated end-of-game where New York Red Bulls defeated Orlando City SC 3-1 at Red Bull Arena in August 2017, Kljestan was involved in a skirmish with Cristian Higuita.
Swiftly after, Kaká mimicked a crying baby to mock Sacha Kljestan following his involvement in the fracas.
This was the game in which Kaká saw red after Video Action Replay intervention following an alleged hands to the face incident with former Lion Aurélien Collin.
In November, Sacha Kljestan and Jozy Altidore were involved in an on-field argument that escalated in the tunnel during half-time, resulting in both players being sent off.
It’s safe to say that if Orlando City SC do complete a deal for Sacha Kljestan in the coming days, he’ll have to win over a lot of City supporters with long memories.
Elsewhere?
If all that wasn’t enough, a transfer is taking place that looks like having a bearing on Cyle Larin’s immediate future.
English Premier League side Everton have agreed a £25 million deal to sign Beşiktaş striker Cenk Tosun and it wouldn’t take a genius to guess the Turkish giants are lining up Larin as his replacement.
Linked with our Canadian international striker for a long while now, it may well be the case that Orlando City SC lose both Kaká and Cyle Larin in a single transfer window.
The latest is that Orlando City SC are set to meet with Beşiktaş regarding a transfer for the 22-year-old striker.
Vote in our poll
But back to Sacha Kljestan, would the Red Bulls captain make a good signing for Orlando City SC? Or can you simply not stand seeing the 32-year-old in purple?
Vote in our Orlando City UK poll on Twitter now to have your say!
#OrlandoCityUK POLL | 🦁🇬🇧
Would you take Sacha Kljestan at Orlando City SC!? 🤔🇺🇸⚽️#OCSC #MLS
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) December 28, 2017