Embed from Getty Images
Flamengo attacking midfielder Diego Ribas has been heavily linked with a transfer to Orlando City SC this winter and it appears City supporters are split on wanting the experienced 33-year-old at Orlando City Stadium.
According to our Orlando City UK poll of 189 City fans, 47% would sign the former Werder Bremen, Juventus, Wolfsburg and Fenerbahçe man, 14% wouldn’t and 39% are not sure about his possible arrival.
Quite simply, do YOU want rumoured transfer target Diego at Orlando City SC!? 🤔
Rumours of a move for the experienced 33-year-old 🇧🇷 international have been heating up recently! 🔥👀#OCSC #MLS
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) January 1, 2019
As tweeted by Brazilian journalist Gustavo Zupak on December 28th, Orlando City SC have offered Diego Ribas a three-year contract. Since then, sources point towards Diego Ribas snubbing the contract renewal currently on offer from Flamengo in favour of a switch to Major League Soccer instead.
Orlando City UK understands that for a transfer to be completed, Diego Ribas would need to convince Flamengo to release him before his contract expires in July.
Undoubtedly a talented individual, Diego Ribas is incredibly experienced having performed for some of the world’s biggest clubs spanning six different countries in a 17-year playing career so far.
Universally viewed as a player who didn’t quite realise his full potential – hence his journeyman status – Diego Ribas would still represent a marquee addition to Major League Soccer and a player who would unquestionably command Designated Player status.
So far however, there is some cynicism among Orlando City SC supporters surrounding the reported offer of a three-year-contract to a 33-year-old who is not quite over the hill but certainly on the back nine in regards to his playing career.
A free-kick specialist and a leader on the field much like Brazilian compatriot and Lions legend Kaká, an Orlando City SC dressing room low on confidence following a desperate 2018 could certainly benefit from Diego Ribas’ ability.
Given the fact Orlando City SC‘s squad is looking increasingly youthful heading into 2019, you feel this needs to be balanced with the arrival of an experienced big name this winter.
Orlando City UK awaits any news of further developments to this transfer story.