And right now, they’re going all in on Marco Pasalic. The 24-year-old Croatian talent, who’s had an interesting ride with Borussia Dortmund and HNK Rijeka, could soon be sporting the purple. The big question is, will this gamble pay off? What’s at stake for Orlando City and for Major League Soccer (MLS)?
Let’s start with the man of the hour: Marco Pasalic. He’s not exactly a household name in European soccer, but his club journey speaks for itself. He kicked things off at Rijeka, and then made a jump to Borussia Dortmund, where he had a shot at development with one of the top clubs around. Sure, he didn’t exactly shine there, but come on, surviving the grind at Signal Iduna Park isn’t something just anyone can do. In terms of skill, Pasalic isn’t the guy who’ll make defenders quake in their boots, but he’s got enough tools to be a solid addition to most teams.
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Here’s the kicker, though: Orlando City is taking a big swing. To really understand the gravity of this move, we need to look at the MLS’s "Designated Player" system. This is the rule that lets teams pay players a salary above the league's salary cap, essentially allowing them to go all out for someone like Pasalic without it messing with their budget. Lately, the league’s been bringing in young European players who might not be superstars, but have the potential to break out. Pasalic could be one of those gems.
But is he the kind of player Orlando really needs? It’s not an easy question to answer. The team’s got a solid foundation, but there’s still something missing to push them to the next level. At 24, Pasalic is at that sweet spot where he could still hit his peak. The MLS might be the perfect place for him to reinvent himself. Orlando could be the city that finally lets him shine. Plus, the pressure he’d face in MLS could be lighter than what he dealt with at Dortmund, where he was fighting for his place in one of the toughest leagues in the world. In the U.S., he could finally be the guy.
Of course, Orlando’s big bet doesn’t come without its risks. The MLS has a track record of bringing in high-potential players who never quite live up to the hype. Just look at some of the big names who’ve come over and struggled to make their mark, only to end up trying, and failing, to go back to their old clubs. For Orlando City, a team that’s aiming to grow and compete with the best, they need Pasalic to be more than just a name on the jersey. He’s gotta be the key that unlocks something bigger.
From the team’s perspective, this could be a shift in mindset. Orlando won’t just be a team trying to compete with what they have, they’re thinking bigger, looking at players with European pedigree. And let’s be real, that’s gonna bring more respect to the league, more eyes on the MLS, and more hype around Orlando City. The team wants to stand out, to be one of the top dogs in the league, and moves like this one not only get media attention but also draw in other players. Guys like Pasalic, who’ve been through the fire in top-level leagues, bring a mentality that can be contagious in the locker room. After all, someone who’s dealt with high pressure before can make all the difference when the heat’s on.
That said, it’s impossible to ignore the weight Pasalic will carry. He’s not just being judged on his on-field performance, but also on the expectations that come with making a bold move like this. Being a “Designated Player” isn’t a small deal, and he knows it. If he doesn’t show his worth right out of the gate, the fans will let him know. We’ve all seen what happens when MLS players come in with big expectations and fail to live up to them.
On the flip side, Orlando City’s betting on youth and potential. Pasalic has time on his side, and MLS is absolutely a place where he could finally turn into the star he couldn’t quite become in Europe. The mix of youth and international experience might be exactly what Orlando needs to make a real splash in the league.