Robinho receives formal offer to follow Kaká to Orlando City
The Orlando City Soccer Club has already developed into one of the more successful clubs in the United States.
More from MLS
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26
- USMNT news: Balogun to MLS, Musah to Milan, Sonora leaves Juarez
- GOAT Gear: Lionel Messi Inter Miami jerseys available NOW
- MLS Week 25: Great Home and Bad Road Teams On Display
- MLS: What You Need To Know For The Fourth of July Weekend
They were founded as Austin Aztex FC in 2008 but soon moved to Orlando as a member of the USL Pro League. Orlando City has since won the league twice, in 2011 and 2013, and finished first in the regular season in 2012. Last year, the team announced that they would be joining the MLS as the league’s 21st franchise.
Under Brazilian owner Flavio Augusto da Silva, the team hopes to find even more success and there has been plenty of speculation that stars in Brazil could come to Orlando City as their careers wind down. Just three weeks ago, Orlando City added Kaká, who at one time was among the best players in the world, as their first Designated Player.
Now they may be adding another Brazilian superstar in current AC Milan forward Robinho.
“There has been a formal offer from Orlando City, as confirmed by [AC Milan CEO] Adriano Galliani,” Marisa Ramos told Globoesporte.”
“The two parties are negotiating. If the move does go through, moving to Brazil for six months first is certainly an option. He couldn’t go six months without playing.”
Robinho’s current club, AC Milan, has confirmed the two sides have been in talks.
“Robinho wants to go to the American MLS,” Galliani said at an event announcing Milan’s latest signings, according to a transcript posted on AC Milan’s website [via The Orlando Sentinel]. “The negotiations with Orlando have begun. They want Robinho, but we’re not close to concluding the deal. The relationship with Robinho remains excellent though and it is just one of the many negotiations that are ongoing.”
Adding Robinho, who has also played for Santos, Real Madrid and Manchester City, could help turn Orlando City into one of the top teams in the United as they prepare to enter the MLS.