In a major development, North American transfer expert Tom Bogert has reported tonight that Orlando City SC and Brazilian giants Palmeiras have reached an agreement for the transfer of Uruguay international Facundo Torres.
Bogert’s report for GiveMeSport states that the transfer is pending finalisation of personal terms between Torres and Palmeiras.
If completed, the deal would mark a club record outbound transfer for the Lions, surpassing the $9.5 million fee received for Daryl Dike’s move to West Bromwich Albion in January 2022.
BREAKING: Orlando City and Palmeiras have agreed to terms over a potential club-record deal for Uruguay international Facundo Torres, sources say.
Deal is pending personal terms being finalized between Torres/Palmeiras.https://t.co/p3Y3Hjb3Px
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) December 9, 2024
In January, Torres signed a new contract with Orlando City SC, extending through 2026 with club options for 2027 and 2028.
Then, in July, the Lions rejected a bid of around $8 million from Red Star Belgrade for Torres.
At the time, Alonso Contreras tweeted that El Cuervo’s preference was a transfer to either La Liga or the Premier League.
Now, however, Palmeiras’ offer seems too good to refuse, making it the right move for both Torres and Orlando City SC.
A powerhouse in South American football, Palmeiras are a tempting destination for any player.
Finishing second in the 2024 Brasileirão and boasting recent league titles in 2022 and 2023, the club also won the Copa Libertadores in 2020 and 2021.
For Orlando City SC supporters, this potential move represents the end of a transformative chapter.
Since joining from Peñarol for a club record $7.5 million in January 2022, Facundo Torres has been a revelation.
The 24-year-old winger was instrumental in helping the Lions secure their first-ever trophy – the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Not to mention our best-ever playoff run to the Eastern Conference Final this year.
Facundo Torres’ individual stats highlight his importance.
14 goals and 6 assists in 32 matches this season and 37 goals and 20 assists across 95 MLS regular season games for Orlando City SC.
His influence on and off the pitch has cemented his place as a fan favourite at Inter&Co Stadium.
Luiz Muzzi recently spoke about Torres’ future, noting the growing recognition of MLS players globally.
“There are always people calling about Facundo”, Muzzi said last month.
“If there’s something that makes sense for everybody, it’s just normal in the world of soccer.”
Now, Orlando City SC must prepare for life without probably the greatest Lion of all-time.
Losing such a crucial asset is a massive blow, and finding a suitable replacement won’t be easy this off-season.
All eyes will now be on how the club reinvests the substantial fee they’ll receive from Palmeiras.