Facundo Torres Set for Record Transfer from Orlando City SC to Palmeiras
Orlando City SC announced that their star Designated Player, Facundo Torres, is leaving to join Brazilian Serie A giants, Palmeiras in a record-breaking transfer deal.
It looks like Facundo Torres will soon be heading to Brazil after his three wonderful seasons in Florida, even as he played a huge part representing Orlando City SC as a potential MLS contender. Reports suggest that the Uruguayan international’s transfer to Palmeiras has been finalized and the cost would exceed that paid for former Orlando striker Daryl Dike, which was $9.5 million.
Torres’ Impact in Orlando
Torre Centro became a significant attacker that an Orlando club needed since he came into the fold with the establishment of Orlando City SC in 2022. As of today, he has scored a total of 37 goals and assisted customers in 20 occasions in the league. His contribution was especially important in 2024 when he achieved 14 goals and six assists to send the Orlando franchise to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in its history.
The 24-year-old forward also has a phenomenal goal per game of 0.39, placing him third on the all-time list for the franchise, which is headed by Cyle Larin (0.49) and Daryl Dike (0.46). This is the close for very significant development for Orlando, a playoff contender who was transformed using Torres from a team that really used to be in contention.
Palmeiras’ Ambitions for 2025
Palmeiras is making touch-ups on their roster as they prepare for a cramped campaign in 2025 with their participation in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup; they completed second in the ring of the most recent Brazil Serie A competition, 2024. Torres was brought in as attack reinforcement in the club’s domestic and foreign silverware plans.
Move solidifies Palmeiras’ long-term plan to strengthen their squad with tested performers, a formula that has set them apart in becoming a top club in South America.
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Challenges Ahead for Orlando City SC
For Orlando, after all, it means a giant jump. Of course, it gives the club the opportunity to enhance its squad through the potential transfer fee but could face the already difficult task of finding a substitute for Torres’ creativity and goal-scoring ability.
Duncan McGuire, Ramiro Enrique, and Luis Muriel still make an impressive attacking pool with the Lions. However, other areas on the turf would require some reinforcements to keep the edge or compete in the MLS.
Since the MLS SuperDraft is on December 19, the Lions may take advantage of it to scout talent and plan for the future.
A Transformational Chapter
At the same time that it brings an end to a transformative chapter for Orlando City SC, the departure of Facundo Torres also makes room for his succession. The club proved worthy of Torres’ burden during his membership. With Palmeiras waiting to greet their big signing, Torres now prepares to bring his attacking abilities to one of the oldest clubs in South America, thus consolidating his emergence as an international football star.
