Barnsley Football Club is delighted to announce the arrival of Daryl Dike.
The 20-year-old American international joins the Reds on loan with an option to purchase from MLS side, Orlando City, until the end of the 20/21 season, subject to international clearance.
Having been selected in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, Lions’ forward, Dike (pronounced Dee-Kay) has enjoyed a standout debut season in professional football. Since making his first appearance on July 25 at the MLS is Back Tournament, the forward went on to consolidate his place in the Orlando side. He finished the regular-season with eight goals and four assists, at a combined rate of 0.88 (goals/assists) per 90 minutes.
Following his standout campaign, Dike won the ‘MLS Rookie of the Year’ whilst also finding himself in the running for the AT&T MLS Young Player of the Year award, ultimately finishing third after receiving significant votes from media, clubs and fellow players.
Capable of playing centrally or on the right side, the 6’2ft striker earned his first call-up to the United States Men’s National Team in December 2020, before making his first full international appearance on 31 January 2021 as USMNT beat Trinidad and Tobago at Dike’s home ground, the Exploria Stadium in Orlando.
Dane Murphy is excited about the prospect of securing the services of a top emerging talent in the MLS. Barnsley FC’s Chief Executive Officer told us: “Most of the club’s work was completed early in this window, but we’re ecstatic to get a player of Daryl’s calibre into the squad. He has had a rapid rise in his career over the last two years showing he possesses a tonne of talent. The club believe he will undoubtedly prove a real asset between now and May.
“It has been well documented that Valérien wanted to strengthen his forward line and in the short-term, this addition goes someway to accomplish that.
“I must thank the group at Orlando City for allowing Daryl to join us and I have no doubt that he will be a success at Oakwell.”
Wearing the number 10 shirt, the Oklahoma native will now link up with Valérien Ismaël’s squad ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture against Derby County.
