Orlando City
has agreed with Turkish club Besiktas J.K. on a transfer fee for the services of Cyle Larin.
Orlando City closed its
chapter Tuesday, issuing a statement confirming a transfer agreement has been reached between the Major League Soccer club and Turkish side Besiktas J.K.
“After recognizing the existence of a valid contract, Besiktas J.K. has agreed with Orlando City SC on terms for the transfer of forward Cyle Larin to the Turkish side for an undisclosed fee,” the statement read.
“Although the Club was disappointed with the unacceptable behavior of the athlete and his representatives, a decision was taken to guarantee compensation with the Club’s future in mind.
“The Club looks forward to focusing on the upcoming season with staff and players who honor and respect the strong values of the Club and commitment to our community to lead us through 2018 and beyond.”
Pro Soccer USA previously reported an agreement had been reached Monday, with a transfer fee exceeding the estimated $2.3 million reported by Turkish media outlets the week before.
At the end of the 2017 MLS season, Larin said he was ready to move on and wanted to play in Europe. He and his agent were actively seeking overseas options and seemed to have Orlando City’s blessing.
Then on Jan. 13, Besiktas tweeted photos of Larin undergoing a physical exam and wearing the team’s jersey.
Orlando City immediately said it would seek action against Besiktas because Larin was not a free agent and a transfer fee must be paid for the striker.
From there, debate raged about whether Larin’s contract with option years was valid, and there was concern the clubs may have to bring the issue to FIFA.
Meanwhile, Larin skirted Orlando City’s preseason camp instead suiting up to train with Besiktas.
Orlando City’s statement brings a resolution to a weeks-long clash over Larin, who led the Lions in scoring for three seasons.
Larin leaves with 43 goals and six assists in 87 appearances during his three seasons in Orlando.
Orlando City continued loading up on talent to bolster its roster, signing midfielder
pending receipt of his ITC and P-1 Visa.
The Lions acquired him using the No. 1 position in the Major League Soccer Allocation Ranking Order, which the Lions got from FC Dallas in exchange for $400,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.
Orlando City did not disclose Rosell’s salary or duration of his contract.
“Uri brings many attributes to our midfield. He is a proven MLS midfielder with great vision and outstanding passing abilities to contribute offensively and defensively to the team,” Orlando City general manager said in a news release announcing the signing. “We’re excited to have him join the team.”
Rosell, 25, returns to MLS after two seasons with Sporting Kansas City beginning in August 2012.
He played a key role in Kansas City’s 2013 MLS Cup championship run, posting one goal and two assists during 31 regular season appearances.
He played in five MLS Cup playoffs games. He also logged six appearances in the 2013-14 CONCACAF Champions League. Rosell made 57 overall appearances, logging two goals and two assists for FC Kansas City.
The Spaniard joined the prestigious FC Barcelona academy La Masia in 2006 at age 14 and made his professional debut with FC Barcelona B in 2015.
After his rise to Sporting Kansas City, the MLS side traded him to Sporting Clube de Portugal of Liga NOS, Portugal’s top flight. After signing with the Leões in July 2014, Rosell made four Taca de Portugal Placard appearances to help his club win the 2014-15 Portuguese cup.
Overall, Rosell made 22 appearances with Sporting Club de Portugal, including 12 in Liga NOS, one in the UEFA Champions League and one in the Europa League.
Rosell spent the following three seasons on loan with first-tier sides Vitória Guimarães SC, CF Belenenses and most recently with Portimonense SC, making 39 overall appearances and scoring one goal.
On the international stage, Rosell has one cap with the Catalonia national team.
Rosell will bolster the Lions’ defense and was sought by numerous MLS clubs. Orlando City landed him by purchasing his allocation rights from FC Dallas.
The allocation process determines which MLS club has first priority to acquire a player listed on the Allocation Ranking List.
The list consists of select U.S. men’s national team players, elite youth U.S. national team players and former MLS players returning to MLS after joining a non-MLS club for a transfer fee greater than $500,000.
On the day Orlando City announced it signed Rosell, the Lions welcomed Columbus Crew midfielder
to training camp in Jacksonville.