A transfer coming completely out of the blue for Lions fans, Orlando City SC today announced that Daryl Dike has joined Barnsley on a short-term loan deal with a conditional right of recall.
Under 24 hours after Daryl Dike made his senior international debut for Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT, the 20-year-old now embarks on an exciting new challenge in the EFL Championship on our very own British shores.
Forward @DarylDike is headed out on a short-term loan to English side @BarnsleyFC.
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) February 1, 2021
🤝 @DarylDike arrives from @OrlandoCitySC on loan.#StrikerSigned
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) February 1, 2021
In Barnsley’s official release, the Tykes confirmed that Daryl Dike will stay at Oakwell “until the end of the 2020/21 season, subject to international clearance.”
With Barnsley’s season ending May 8, Dike will miss just over a month of the 2021 MLS campaign.
MLS and the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) still need to come to terms over the collective bargaining agreement however.
Elsewhere, Barnsley’s release also states “the American international joins the Reds on loan with an option to purchase from the MLS side.”
However, don’t panic Orlando City SC supporters!
Orlando City UK understands that Daryl Dike‘s price tag is $20 million for 80% of his rights.
In other words, Luiz Muzzi and the Orlando City SC Front Office are purely exposing Daryl Dike to a higher level of competition before the striker returns to Exploria Stadium re-energised.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, Luiz Muzzi said: “We believe this opportunity with Barnsley will present another step in his [Dike’s] career, to not only develop in a new footballing environment, but to challenge himself in a new country and we’re excited for him to bring those learnings back to us here in Orlando.”
On his own move, Daryl Dike said: “I’m excited to continue my development and keep up my fitness while with Barnsley and look forward to bringing what I learn back to Orlando to continue our success here in MLS.”
The rise and rise of Daryl Dike
It’s crazy to think that this time last year, Daryl Dike had only just been drafted fifth-overall by Orlando City SC in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
Enjoying a meteoric rise, Daryl Dike is now a senior international with the USMNT after just one season as a professional.
A 20-year-old with raw ability and brute strength, Dike stands at 6 ft 1 in and weighs a mighty 220 lbs.
Built like an NFL player and noticeably larger than all soccer players his age, Dike grasped 2020 with both hands.
A native of Edmond, Oklahoma, Daryl Dike scored 8 goals and provided 4 assists across 1,397 minutes in Major League Soccer last season.
The fans’ view
With #OCTwitter currently reacting to Daryl Dike‘s announcement as a Barnsley loanee, we gathered the best tweets following his surprise move across the pond.
My US team to my English team I’m looking forward to seeing him just a shame I can’t be in stadiums watching
— Nathan Crow (@NathanCrow19) February 1, 2021
As long as it’s just a short term loan until end of the season. Will certainly be a learning experience for him! Orlando to Barnsley 😂 can see him being a handful in the championship.
— Jake (@jakemillard21) February 1, 2021
Strange 1 for me. Good idea to get him out on loan at a decent level but it’s the option to buy that gets me (although unlikely they will spend that)
— Allan Ronney HH (@AllanRonney) February 1, 2021
Perhaps not a good sign about the state of the CBA…
— Mike Calendrillo (@MikeCalendrillo) February 1, 2021
Great opportunity for him but quite disappointing for us
— Orlando Original (@CityTilliDie_) February 1, 2021
Well it’s a bittersweet symphony this lah-ife
— CAPOWEAR APPAREL (@capowearapparel) February 1, 2021
Come back to us safe big man!
— The Legendary David Valentin (@Florida_man76) February 1, 2021
You’ve got a fantastic talent on your hands! Great strength, eye for goal and hold up play is incredible. 8 goals and 3 assist (17 appearances) in his inaugural season as a rookie. Absolute tank!
— Charlotte Patterson (@kirbyhazard) February 1, 2021
and that's what's important is keeping him happy and productive.
— iRaceTheReaper (@iRaceTheReaper8) February 1, 2021
Great for all parties involved. Glad Dike will get some quality time in a competitive league. Barnsley appear unlikely to challenge for promotion but assuming they're safe from relegation in Apr it'd be reasonable to recall Daryl for the season start. Unless they shell out 20 mil
— Jacob Bynum (@JacobwBynum) February 1, 2021
Not a fan to be honest, I get the reasoning but I don't like it! Possible margin for injury on our winter muddy pitches, if he does well he could be in the shop window for a low level prem side…I'd rather him have another full pre-season with the lads in Orlando for me
— Dan May (@thatdanmayguy) February 1, 2021
Might be a showcase for a prem side to buy him. With a $10M tag if he has a good show, OC can do a lot of damage with that cash. This why you never fall in love with players
— The Legendary David Valentin (@Florida_man76) February 1, 2021
The $20 mil would be the 3rd highest MLS fee ever received only behind Pity Martinez and Almiron and the 20% would take it over Pity's fee almost certainly since it's only about £110k behind as it is.
— Adzter (@Adzter961) February 1, 2021
I think the positives out weigh the risk. Its an opportunity to learn in the one of the most competitive leagues in the world
— Andrew 'Barney' Barnard (@pompey_barney) February 1, 2021
#OrlandoCityUK REACTS 🗣
I won’t lie, I’m disappointed that we won’t see our number 1️⃣8️⃣ suiting up for us at the start of the season for @OrlandoCitySC.
But seriously wishing you all the best at @BarnsleyFC, @DarylDike. 👍🏽 Grasp the opportunity and come back better than ever. pic.twitter.com/h37S8erlYo
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) February 1, 2021
Good luck at Barnsley, Daryl!
On behalf of Orlando City UK, we wish Daryl Dike the very best of luck as he embarks on the latest chapter of his career in South Yorkshire.
Dike will wear jersey number 10 during his loan spell under Valérien Ismaël at Oakwell.
🇺🇸 🛬 🇬🇧
A short message from our new recruit! 👋 pic.twitter.com/68unMnDucQ
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) February 1, 2021
i hope he likes our little town good luck