Daryl Dike is heading back to England — and this time on a permanent transfer.
In a move widely expected this offseason, Orlando City announced on Saturday that Dike will join English Championship side West Bromwich Albion during the winter transfer window after signing a 4 1/2-year deal with the Baggies.
The amount of the transfer fee was not disclosed.
“We would like to thank Daryl for all he has given to Orlando City throughout his time here,” EVP of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi said in a statement. “From the moment we drafted him, we knew Daryl was a special talent, and this opportunity is a credit to both his natural talent and his dedication over the last two years. We are happy that he was able to develop here in Orlando and grow into the player he is today.”
Dike joined Orlando ahead of the 2020 season after getting selected out of the University of Virginia in the MLS SuperDraft with the No. 5 pick.
The 21-year-old forward impressed in his rookie season, scoring 8 goals in 17 appearances. That led to his first call-up with the U.S. men’s national team later that year.
In 2021, Dike joined Barnsley on a half-season loan with an option to buy. Dike scored 9 times in 19 appearances, helping the Reds secure a spot to compete in the promotional playoffs towards the end of the 2020-21 season.
Last summer, Dike won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the U.S. before rejoining Orlando City for the second half of the MLS season where he finished with 10 goals in 18 league matches. The Lions secured a spot in the playoffs for the second consecutive year.
“I am extremely grateful to everyone at Orlando City for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to play for this incredible club,” Dike said. “This was a great place for me to start my career and I am thankful to the Club for helping me toward this next step of my journey.”
Dike’s departure, however, leaves Orlando with plenty of holes in its roster.
Forward Alexandre Pato is out of contract, but the Lions have already sent the forward a new offer to bring him back. Team captain Nani announced shortly after the 2021 season that he will be leaving the club.
While midfielder Uri Rosell signed with former club, Sporting KC last month.
Among players returning, Mauricio Pereyra recently signed a one-year deal while Ruan signed a contract through the 2023 season last month.
Goalkeeper (3): Pedro Gallese, Mason Stajduhar (HG), Adam Grinwis
Defenders (8): Kyle Smith, Ruan, Joao Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, Michael Halliday (HG), Thomas Williams (HG),
Midfielders (6): Jhegson Sebastián Méndez, Andrés Perea, Júnior Urso, Joey DeZart, Wilfredo Rivera (HG), Mauricio Pereyra
Forwards (4): Tesho Akindele, Benji Michel (HG), Alexander Alvarado, Silvester van der Water.