Twitter reacts to… Palmeiras signing Facundo Torres from Orlando City SC

/ Taylor Williams

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After the heartbreak of our 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs exit on November 30, Orlando City SC fans face more sadness today, with Facundo Torres completing his $12 million + $2 million transfer to Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

In truth, City supporters have had nearly two whole weeks to digest Facu’s departure, especially after Palmeiras agreed terms with Facundo Torres on December 9 before Cruz Azul appeared set to hijack the move. But in the end, Verdão have got their man.

This transfer not only sets a new club record outbound fee for Orlando City SC, surpassing the $9.5 million West Bromwich Albion paid for Daryl Dike. It also sees City bid farewell to probably the greatest Lion of all-time!

Joining Orlando City SC from Peñarol in January 2022 for a club record $7.5 million + $1.5 million, Facundo Torres quickly established himself as one of the best players in Major League Soccer.

Over three seasons, Torres’ magic on the wing inspired countless memorable moments for the City faithful.

Most notably, the 24-year-old was instrumental in delivering Orlando City SC’s first-ever trophy as an MLS club – the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

That historic run to glory captured the hearts of fans and cemented Facundo Torres’ place as a club legend.

In addition to his on-pitch brilliance, Facundo Torres’ connection with our fans, his team-mates, and the city of Orlando makes him a true Lion for life.

For Torres, Palmeiras offers a new challenge at one of South America’s most storied clubs.

Boasting recent Copa Libertadores triumphs (2020, 2021) and back-to-back Brasileirão titles (2022, 2023), Palmeiras represents a tempting destination for any player.

Facundo Torres will initially face stiff competition for a regular starting spot in Palmeiras’ starting eleven, going up against players like Felipe Anderson and Estêvão.

Estêvão, widely regarded as one of the most promising young footballers in the world, is set to join Chelsea in the summer of 2025 – a noteworthy subplot to Palmeiras’ squad dynamics.

With Palmeiras also set to compete in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Torres has a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on the global stage.

A strong performance could not only solidify his place at Palmeiras, but also boost his prospects with the Uruguayan national team.

Interestingly, Marcelo Bielsa has used Facu very sparingly during his tenure with La Celeste – a decision that may hint at skepticism towards MLS players.

While Torres reportedly dreamed of playing in La Liga or the Premier League, this move to Palmeiras provides the ideal next step in his career, while also earning Orlando City SC a substantial transfer fee.

How Facundo Torres’ Palmeiras move unfolded

Facundo Torres’ final Orlando City SC stats

MLS – 2022 season

  • 33 games played
  • 29 games started
  • 2,600 minutes played
  • 9 goals
  • 10 assists
  • 53 total scoring attempts
  • 14 shots on target
  • 1 yellow card
  • 0 red cards

MLS Cup Playoffs – 2022 season

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 90 minutes played
  • 0 goals
  • 0 assists
  • 1 total scoring attempt
  • 0 shots on target
  • 0 yellow card
  • 0 red cards

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – 2022 season

  • 6 games played
  • 5 games started
  • 513 minutes played
  • 4 goals
  • 2 assists
  • 0 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

FC Series Clash of Nations – vs. Arsenal – 2022 season

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 62 minutes played
  • 1 goal
  • 0 assists
  • 0 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

2022 – Memorable goal

vs. Sacramento Republic (H) – September 7, 2022

As you all know, Facundo Torres scored a brace in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, etching his name into Orlando folklore forever.

Ultimately, his opening goal paved the way for Orlando City SC to secure their first major trophy as an MLS club – something we’ll always remember.

Orlando City SC 3 Sacramento Republic 0 – Highlights – September 7, 2022 (Credit: U.S. Soccer)

2022 – Memorable goal

vs. Arsenal (H) – July 20, 2022

After Gabriel Martinelli’s opener, Facundo Torres scored a noteworthy equaliser against Premier League giants Arsenal in a glamorous mid-season friendly (1-3) at Inter&Co Stadium.

Later linked with a transfer to Arsenal, Torres showcased his talent in this game, giving Mikel Arteta a first-hand glimpse of what El Cuervo could bring to the table.

Orlando City SC 1 Arsenal 3 – Highlights – July 20, 2022 (Credit: Arsenal)

MLS – 2023 season

  • 30 games played
  • 28 games started
  • 2,377 minutes played
  • 14 goals
  • 4 assists
  • 65 total scoring attempts
  • 26 shots on target
  • 2 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

MLS Cup Playoffs – 2023 season

  • 3 games played
  • 3 games started
  • 290 minutes played
  • 0 goals
  • 0 assists
  • 10 total scoring attempt
  • 2 shots on target
  • 0 yellow card
  • 0 red cards

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – 2023 season

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 94 minutes played
  • 0 goals
  • 0 assists
  • 0 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

 CONCACAF Champions League – 2023 season

  • 1 game played
  • 1 game started
  • 192 minutes played
  • 0 goals
  • 0 assists
  • 0 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

Leagues Cup – 2023 season

  • 3 games played
  • 3 games started
  • 297 minutes played
  • 0 goals
  • 0 assists
  • 8 total scoring attempt
  • 1 shots on target
  • 1 yellow card
  • 0 red cards

2023 – Memorable goal

vs. New England Revolution (H) – October 7, 2023

This goal showcased Facundo Torres’ technical skill, confidence, and ability to deliver clutch goals – especially down the stretch!

Ultimately, strikes like this cemented his status as Orlando City SC’s talisman.

Despite being relatively young, he was someone who’d always put the team on his back.

Orlando City SC 3 New England Revolution 2 – Highlights – October 7, 2023 (Credit: Major League Soccer)

MLS – 2024 season

  • 32 games played
  • 30 games started
  • 2,642 minutes played
  • 14 goals
  • 6 assists
  • 63 total scoring attempts
  • 30 shots on target
  • 3 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

MLS Cup Playoffs – 2024 season

  • 5 games played
  • 5 games started
  • 448 minutes played
  • 2 goals
  • 0 assists
  • 13 total scoring attempt
  • 7 shots on target
  • 0 yellow card
  • 0 red cards

CONCACAF Champions Cup – 2024 season

  • 4 games played
  • 3 games started
  • 249 minutes played
  • 3 goals
  • 1 assist
  • 0 yellow cards
  • 0 red cards

Leagues Cup – 2024 season

  • 3 games played
  • 3 games started
  • 240 minutes played
  • 1 goal
  • 2 assists
  • 8 total scoring attempt
  • 1 shots on target
  • 1 yellow card
  • 0 red cards

2024 – Memorable goal

vs. Philadelphia Union (H) – October 2, 2024

This goal marked a milestone, making Facundo Torres the all-time leading scorer for Orlando City SC with 45 goals across all competitions.

It also tied the club’s single-season record for goals at 18.

Orlando City SC 2 Philadelphia Union 1 – Highlights – October 2, 2024 (Credit: Major League Soccer)

Thank you for everything, Facu!

From his dazzling performances at Inter&Co Stadium to his pivotal role in the team’s growth, Facundo Torres has left a legacy that will endure.

Thank you for everything, Facu!

And best of luck in your next chapter at Palmeiras!

On behalf of Orlando City UK, we wish you all the success in your future endeavours.

We’ll definitely miss your ice cool penalties and your iconic trademark – those unforgettable goalscoring selfies!

At the end of the day, El Cuervo is #ForeverALion.

Orlando City SC supporters’ view

With #OCTwitter still reacting to Facundo Torres’ exit announcement, we gathered the best tweets following the news.

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Do YOU think Palmeiras is the right move for Facundo Torres? Will he succeed in Brazil?

Comment below or tweet us at @Orlando_CityUK to let us know!

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