After Facundo Torres’ Orlando City SC transfer was unofficially confirmed, Manuel Veth today tweeted that Austrian striker Ercan Kara is “expected to sign as a Designated Player with Orlando City SC”.
With Manuel Veth being Transfermarkt’s Area Manager for North America, Ercan Kara is a completely new name linked with the Lions this off-season.
League sources. Rapid Vienna forward Ercan Kara is headed to MLS. Rapid have already confirmed that part. But the Austrian striker is not headed to Philadelphia Union as previously reported. Instead, the striker is expected to sign as a Designated Player with #OrlandoCity. #DOOP
— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) January 22, 2022
In Transfermarkt.us’s full release, the article claimed: “Major League Soccer side Orlando City will not sign one but two Designated Players in the coming days.”
The first player is obviously Facundo Torres but today, Rapid Wien confirmed Ercan Kara’s impending departure.
Rapid Wien Director of Sport, Zoran Barisic said: “We have already agreed terms with the interested club.
“Please accept that we are not going to provide any further details.”
Besides Orlando City SC, Ercan Kara had recently been linked with Philadelphia Union.
With 6 ft 4 in Kacper Przybyłko joining Chicago Fire today, it appeared Union were keen on a like-for-like replacement in 6 ft 4 in Ercan Kara.
However, Orlando City SC could potentially be pipping their Eastern Conference rivals to the post.
With Ercan Kara reportedly interesting the Orlando City SC Front Office, Orlando City UK found out more about the giant Austrian striker.
Who is Ercan Kara?
Ercan Kara is a 26-year-old centre forward currently playing for 2020/21 Austrian Bundesliga runners-up Rapid Wien.
Born in Vienna, Kara is of Turkish descent.
Standing at a giant 6 ft 4 in, Kara has been a prolific goalscorer for Die Grün-Weißen (The Green-Whites).
Boasting a record of scoring nearly one goal every two games, Ercan Kara has 27 goals in 58 Austrian Bundesliga appearances for his hometown club.
This prolific form saw Ercan Kara earn his senior international debut with Austria in March 2021.
He came on as a late substitute in a 4-0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification defeat to Denmark.
Unfortunately for Kara, he wasn’t a part of Franco Foda’s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2020 later in 2021.
Earning seven senior international caps for Austria, Ercan Kara‘s nation take on Wales in March as part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifying playoffs.
Prior to joining Rapid Wien, Ercan Kara was prolific at three of his four former Austrian clubs.
Representing SK Slovan HAC 65 (2012/14), FC Mauerwerk (2016/19), and SV Horn (2019/20), Ercan Kara was a regular goalscorer in Austria’s lower leagues.
Kara also played for the reserve side of Austria Wien, Rapid Wien’s great rivals, between 2014 and 2016.
More recently, Ercan Kara has 2021/22 UEFA Europa League experience too.
The Austrian was part of the Rapid Wien side that finished third in Group H.
Kara appeared in both games against Group H winners West Ham United.
Do Orlando City SC need Ercan Kara?
If Ercan Kara does arrive at Exploria Stadium, he would be an extremely welcome addition – one that likely starts.
Especially considering Daryl Dike‘s recent departure to West Bromwich Albion.
Besides 2022 MLS SuperDraft pick Jack Lynn, Tesho Akindele and Alexandre Pato are the only senior centre forwards on Oscar Pareja‘s roster right now.
In Tesho Akindele, Oscar Pareja has a loyal disciple he trusts, but Tesho isn’t prolific.
In Alexandre Pato, the decorated Brazilian will hope 2022 is his year after injury completely ravaged his debut season.
Ercan Kara is also unique in that Orlando City SC haven’t signed a giant target man in MLS to date.
If signed, Kara would become the first Austrian to play for Orlando City SC, giving City’s attack a different dimension to boot.
…
Support Orlando City UK
Passionate about what we do, Orlando City UK content will always be free. The most important thing for us is sharing our love of Orlando City SC with you all and donations are by no means expected. However, if you enjoy our content, a token towards the regular maintenance of Orlando City UK is hugely appreciated!
