Yesterday was a big news day for the Lions with the Wilf family officially completing their purchase of Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride.
Only a matter of hours later, it was also announced that longtime fan favourite Chris Mueller has signed a pre-contract to join a European team at the end of the 2021 MLS season.
UPDATE: Orlando City SC Statement Regarding Forward Chris Mueller.
Details: https://t.co/kXmv6WZ8P9 pic.twitter.com/LQmBABiKgz
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 21, 2021
Orlando City SC‘s Chris Mueller announcement came just 10 minutes after Washington Post soccer writer Steven Goff broke and tweeted the news himself.
In Goff’s tweet, he also revealed: “Expecting him [Mueller] to land in Scotland on a free transfer.”
Orlando City’s Chris Mueller, whose MLS deal expires this winter, has signed a pre-contract to join a European team after this season, multiple sources say. He and Orlando were in negotiations but did not reach a deal. Expecting him to land in Scotland on a free transfer.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) July 21, 2021
Chris Mueller‘s current contract with Orlando City SC expires on December 31, 2021.
The official Orlando City SC release states that both parties “have been involved in contract negotiations for some time.”
Right now, Chris Mueller‘s new European club is still not 100% confirmed.
After Steven Goff teased Scotland, speculation has been mounting regarding Chris Mueller‘s eventual whereabouts.
Could it be Celtic? Could it be Rangers? Or could it be Aberdeen?
Today however, the Daily Record reported that Hibernian are set to sign Mueller at the end of his MLS deal.
A big name in Scottish football, former City captain Jonathan Spector also represented the Edinburgh side back in 2019.
A shot in the arm for the USMNT?
Yesterday’s Chris Mueller news was huge for the player but a bitter pill for Orlando City SC and its supporters.
For some time, City fans have realised that Chris Mueller has the potential to prove a success in Europe.
Fortunately for the 24-year-old, he will now get to develop and test himself in an unfamiliar environment.
Having been left off Gregg Berhalter’s 23-man USMNT roster for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Mueller hasn’t earned a cap since the 7-0 friendly win over Trinidad & Tobago in January.
Winning two caps and scoring two goals for the Stars and Stripes – both on his debut against El Salvador – Chris Mueller will hope his European move provides him with more recognition on the international stage.
Chris Mueller at Orlando City SC: 2018 – 2021
When fresh-faced Chris Mueller was drafted (sixth in Round 1) by Orlando City SC in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, he was just a kid from Schaumburg, Illinois.
A standout in college for the Wisconsin Badgers, he made a huge 32 appearances in his rookie MLS season (2018).
Scoring three goals and registering seven assists in MLS that season, Orlando City SC supporters instantly knew that Mueller had talent.
Renowned for his daring, cavalier-style when attacking from wide areas, Chris Mueller has got better and better in the 407.
2019 saw Mueller tally five goals and four assists in MLS.
Additionally, he was part of an Orlando City SC team, alongside Nani and Jhegson Méndez, that won the 2019 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge.
While 2018 and 2019 were impressive, 2020 was Chris Mueller‘s true breakthrough season in Major League Soccer.
A tough year all round, considering the pandemic, the level-headed Mueller bagged a career-high ten MLS goals and seven assists.
Part of an Orlando City SC side that reached the #MLSisBack Tournament Final, while reaching the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time, he finally achieved USMNT recognition in December 2020.
Called up for a friendly against El Salvador in Fort Lauderdale, the fearless Mueller capped his senior international debut with two goals and an assist.
It was the culmination of many years of guts, hard work and determination since he had dreams of becoming a professional soccer player in Illinois.
A self-confessed bookworm, June 2021 saw Chris Mueller release his own book: “Bet On Yourself: How To Build Unshakable Confidence, Tune Out The Noise, And Rise To The Occasion.”
So far this year, Chris Mueller has two goals and four assists, and he’ll want to toast his final City season with some hardware.
Right now, Chris Mueller is Orlando City SC‘s second all-time appearance maker in MLS with 98 outings, only second to Cristian Higuita (103 outings).
Good luck in Europe, Chris!
Throughout Orlando City SC soccer fandom, few players have stolen City supporters’ hearts like Chris Mueller has.
Not only a role model on the field but off it as well, Chris Mueller has not only exuded supreme self-confidence, but has shown a genuine love for Orlando City SC and the city of Orlando as well.
On behalf of Orlando City UK, we’ll be rooting for you throughout your career, Chris.
But before you depart Exploria Stadium, let’s go out on a high and bring some hardware to our city!
Watched you grow at this club. 💜
Wishing you all the best in the future, @cmueller1662. 👍🏽
But let’s get some hardware first & go out on a high brother! 🏆💪🏽#ForeverALion #OrlandoCityUK 🦁🇬🇧 #BTB pic.twitter.com/GwKCXX9Aw0
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) July 21, 2021
The fans’ view
With #OCTwitter currently reacting to the Chris Mueller announcement, we gathered the best tweets following the news.
Sad.
— RUCKUS. (@RuckusOrlando) July 21, 2021
Waking up to see this news is heartbreaking. Whilst I am absolutely over the moon for Chris, I’m so sad to see such a talented player and amazing person leave the club.
Despite signing the pre-contract, I have no doubt in my mind that Mueller will still give it his all with us https://t.co/DLtHGjf5Me
— Charlotte Patterson (@kirbyhazard) July 22, 2021
Enjoy him while he’s in purple.
Best of luck to him.
He always put all his heart in it for the badge. https://t.co/evSZ7jK3Z8
— Orlando Lions Den Podcast (@OrlandoLionsDen) July 22, 2021
Go on young man go kill it #BTB
— The Legendary David Valentin (@Florida_man76) July 21, 2021
I am gonna miss you 🥺@cmueller1662 go and show your magic @OrlandoCitySC will be always your home 🦁💜
— Adriana (@yayita_0402) July 21, 2021
Yes. He’s been free to sign a pre-contract for a bit with his contract expiring at the end of this season here. Orlando doesn’t get anything. Which is why he should have been sold in the winter.
— Punky Brewster’s BFF (@MsBrooke_Lynn) July 21, 2021
I can’t “like” this announcement. 😢 I do wish you all the best @cmueller1662 Thank you for your fire on the field these past years. I’m happy to watch you play the rest of this season. #ForeverALion
— Getty (@Almagetty) July 21, 2021
You will always be loved here in Orlando @cmueller1662 , a big part of our history, we will always respect your game and determination. Always a lion 🦁
— Joshua-OCSC (@Tunarice2) July 21, 2021
Mueller is gone and a lot more could go next year based on their contracts.
I’m fine keeping him for the season to go all in.
It’s #TrophySzn
— x-Tony Font-Daddest man on the planet (@EddieTheCommish) July 22, 2021
I hate this 😭💜💵 https://t.co/YqBIcHPbSL
— anakenn (@anakenn) July 21, 2021