According to a report from Colombian source Antena 2 yesterday, Orlando City SC has submitted an offer worth around $2.3 million for striker Michael Rangel.
Oscar Pareja‘s Lions are reportedly in a three-way fight for the 29-year-old Colombian who also has offers from clubs in Brazil and Mexico.
In a translated version of the original report, it claims all interested parties “are willing to pay for 100% of their economic rights.”
It also states Rangel’s current club, América de Cali, “will not be able to make use of the purchase option” with the striker needing to return to Atlético Junior by June 30.
News of Orlando City SC‘s interest in Michael Rangel isn’t completely new after Futbol Red linked the Lions to the striker back in December 2019.
With City also trailing Germán Cano back then, it appears they’ve switched their attentions back to Michael Rangel.
Who is Michael Rangel?
Michael Rangel is a 29-year-old centre forward who plays for América de Cali. They are the 14-time winners and current champions of Colombia’s Categoría Primera A.
Right footed, Michael Rangel can also play at right wing but is most comfortable as a number nine.
Enjoying a nine-year professional career so far, Michael Rangel has been a journeyman striker, representing 11 separate clubs since 2011.
With five of these being loan spells, Rangel hasn’t managed to find a permanent home for too long.
All but one of those clubs have been Colombian-based too. The exception was a loan spell in Europe at Turkish side Kasımpaşa in 2017.
Scoring three goals in 12 appearances in Istanbul, he seems to be getting better with age however.
Indeed, his current spell at América de Cali has yielded his most prolific goalscoring record so far. Rangel has scored 13 goals in 21 appearances for The Red Devils.
This earned him the joint golden boot prize in their triumphant 2019-II Categoría Primera A season. Interestingly alongside ex-City target Germán Cano.
Standing at 6 ft 1 in, Michael Rangel has also been capped once by the Colombian national team. This came back in 2017 however.
Do Orlando City SC need Michael Rangel?
Linked to Germán Cano since last season, it’s clear that Oscar Pareja has been keen on adding South American-based reinforcements.
If Orlando City SC‘s $2.3 million offer is true, you’d imagine at least one striker would have to make way.
The Lions currently have Tesho Akindele, Dom Dwyer, Nani, Daryl Dike, Benji Michel and Santiago Patiño as out-and-out number nine options.
With Dom Dwyer linked with Minnesota United but staying at Exploria Stadium since the off-season, a move for Michael Rangel still seems unlikely right now.
Orlando City UK awaits any developments to this particular transfer rumour.