Last Friday, the first reports emerged online suggesting Dom Dwyer could be part of trade talk discussions involving Minnesota United’s Designated Player forward Darwin Quintero.
With Major League Soccer’s two-day trade window opening yesterday following a 10-week roster freeze, Orlando City UK has prepared a timeline to assess whether this rumoured trade will actually happen.
What we know so far
October 8
Speaking shortly after James O’Connor’s dismissal as Orlando City SC head coach on October 7, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi publicly backed Dom Dwyer following a difficult season.
Only netting seven goals in a stop-start campaign for the 29-year-old forward, Muzzi was the man tasked with answering many pressing questions on the lips of Orlando City SC supporters and media.
In a report by ProSoccerUSA.com, Luiz Muzzi said: “He’s a forward and they’re streaky, right? You saw at the end he started scoring goals. We think that he can turn it around.”
Settled in Central Florida with his wife Sydney Leroux plus children Cassius and Roux, every Orlando City SC supporter anticipated Dom Dwyer was a man sticking around for 2020.
November 8
In anticipation of Major League Soccer’s two-day trade window opening, a piece by The Athletic’s Sam Stejskal (with contributions from Jeff Rueter) suggested Dom Dwyer could be a part of trade discussions for Minnesota United’s Darwin Quintero.
A bolt from the blue as far as Orlando City SC supporters were concerned, the article mentioned: “Per sources, the club is looking at options to move him (Dwyer) this winter.”
Some turnaround in stance from Luiz Muzzi and co, right?
November 11
Just three days later and on the first day of the two-day trade window being active, another footnote appeared in this potential trade.
Yesterday afternoon, Darwin Quintero tweeted himself that he would be moving on from Minnesota United this winter.
After two years of living great experiences in @MNUFC I want to inform you that the technician and the club made the decision not to validate the renewal option. I want to thank you for all that was lived, were two years of much learning .My best wishes and thanks for everything pic.twitter.com/X9jjz7iuLb
— darwin quintero (@darwinJR3) November 11, 2019
Later the same afternoon, The Athletic staff writer and Minnesota United columnist Jeff Rueter tweeted that the Loons HAD NOT declined the option on Darwin Quintero’s contract.
Can confirm: #MNUFC has not declined the option on Darwin Quintero’s contract yet. The Loons have until November 21 to do so.
I’d suspect the tweet was an attempt to speed up the timeline on sorting out the player’s future. Still plenty to be resolved in this saga. https://t.co/0beGRyO87V
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) November 11, 2019
An intriguing transfer rumour
With Darwin Quintero clearly looking for a way out of Allianz Field this winter, Orlando City SC supporters are avidly watching this space for the latest news in this transfer saga.
It’s certainly an intriguing rumour with Dom Dwyer potentially reuniting with legendary Lions boss Adrian Heath at Minnesota United.
As for Darwin Quintero, the 32-year-old former Colombian international has commanded Designated Player status in Minneapolis–Saint Paul since arriving from Club América in March 2018.
Scoring 21 goals in 57 MLS appearances so far, Quintero is undoubtedly a quality player who would improve Orlando City SC‘s attacking options as a ready-made replacement for Dwyer.
However, with current DP and club captain Nani also 32, questions would be asked about an experienced, yet aging frontline at Exploria Stadium.