As the MLS off-season progresses, Orlando City SC are currently exploring various options to strengthen our roster. Earlier today, North American transfer expert Tom Bogert tweeted that City are “in advanced talks to sign Croatia international winger Marco Pašalić from HNK Rijeka.” Previously knocked back in our pursuit of Club América’s Alejandro Zendejas, Pašalić has now emerged as a viable alternative.
Bogert noted that while “no deal is agreed or done” – with the Lions still monitoring “other targets” – Pašalić “would be a DP winger if it gets done.” Marco Pašalić, 24, has earned five senior international caps with Croatia and was part of Zlatko Dalić’s final 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
🟣🇭🇷 Sources: Orlando City in advanced talks to sign Croatia int’l winger Marco Pasalic from HNK Rijeka.
No deal is agreed or done & ORL have other targets, but would be DP winger if it gets done.
Pasalic, 24, has 5 caps with Croatia. Part of Euros squad https://t.co/Zz2TsysKre
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) January 21, 2025
The current mood of the fanbase
Sure, Marco Pašalić is a player with European experience and five international caps for Croatia.
But his potential signing isn’t the marquee addition that Orlando City SC supporters are hoping for this off-season.
Don’t get me wrong; Croatia have produced many incredible footballers over the years – especially for a relatively small country.
But signing a DP-level player from the Croatian Football League isn’t all that inspiring.
Many fans are already expressing a preference for an MLS-proven Designated Player, such as Portland Timbers’ Evander, who would be a plug and play addition in 2025.
But as we learned from Tom Bogert’s tweet today, Pašalić’s arrival would fill the Designated Player slot vacated by Facundo Torres.
Should this move come to pass, Orlando City SC would be rolling with a DP trio of Marco Pašalić, Luis Muriel, and Martín Ojeda in 2025.
That’s if Estudiantes’ interest in Tincho comes to no avail this winter.
Pašalić would no doubt be a solid, quality addition in Major League Soccer.
But there is a sentiment among the fanbase that a more high-profile signing would better capture the imagination and ambition of the club.
Last Friday, Orlando City SC announced the signing of Nicolás Rodríguez.
And perhaps it was the Front Office’s plan all along was to replace Torres with two capable right wingers – both Rodríguez and Pašalić.
As Orlando City SC continue their search for offensive reinforcements, the potential acquisition of Marco Pašalić is certainly interesting.
However, it’s clear that our supporters are eager for a headline-grabbing signing.
One that signals a strong intent for the upcoming 2025 season.
It remains to be seen whether Pašalić can fulfill that role.
Fans and analysts will closely monitor the club’s decisions in the transfer market in the coming days and weeks.
Who is Marco Pašalić?
Marco Pašalić is a 24-year-old Croatian international right winger.
Not to be confused with Mario Pašalić, once of Chelsea, Marco currently plays for HNK Rijeka in SuperSport HNL – Croatia’s top football division.
Left footed and standing at 5 ft 10 in, Pašalić was born in Karlsruhe, Germany on September 14, 2000, but holds Croatian nationality.
Primarily a right winger, he can also play on the left wing or as an attacking midfielder.
Marco Pašalić began his football journey in Germany, training with clubs such as Karlsruher SC, SG Siemens Karlsruhe, SV Sandhausen, and Hoffenheim.
In 2016, he returned to Karlsruher SC, where he spent three years developing his skills.
After trial periods with Bayern Munich and NK Osijek, he joined VfB Stuttgart II in 2019. In his debut season, he contributed to the team’s promotion to the Regionalliga Südwest.
In 2021, Pašalić signed with Borussia Dortmund II, the reserve team of the Bundesliga club. During the 2021/22 season, he made 13 appearances in the 3. Liga, scoring two goals.
The following season, he featured in 22 matches, netting four goals.
Pašalić made his Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund’s first team on November 8, 2022, as a substitute against VfL Wolfsburg.
In June 2023, Pašalić returned to Croatia, signing with HNK Rijeka.
Since joining Rijeka, he has been a regular starter, helping them finish as runners-up to Dinamo Zagreb in 2023/24.
So far this 2024/25 SuperSport HNL season, Pašalić has made 18 appearances and scored just three goals.
This is hardly groundbreaking as Facundo Torres’ potential replacement!
Having said that, HNK Rijeka are currently top of the 2024/25 SuperSport HNL table.
Undefeated in 18 matches this season, they are impressively ahead of Croatian giants Hajduk Split (second) and Dinamo Zagreb (third).
Pašalić’s international experience
Marco Pašalić previously featured for the Croatian youth national sides, representing them at U-17 and U-21 level.
Making his senior international debut in November 2023, Pašalić featured in a 0-2 away victory over Latvia during UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying.
Fast forward to May 20, 2024, and Pašalić earned a spot in Croatia’s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024 itself.
A few weeks later, on June 3, he scored his first international goal.
This came in a 3-0 friendly win against North Macedonia in the build-up to the tournament.
Make no mistake; Marco Pašalić would no doubt provide dynamism and versatility in City’s attacking third.
After all, many Croatian footballers are technically gifted and strong, with a never-say-die spirit.
But I just wonder whether he’s THE statement signing we need to push for ultimate MLS Cup glory this year?
Lastly, if he ends up signing this winter, Marco Pašalić would become the first-ever Croatian to play for Orlando City SC.
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