ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2021) — Following the conclusion of its seventh season and second-straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance, Orlando City SC has announced the end-of-season statuses for each of its players.
“This year we saw our organization reach new heights and set even more Club records, and we are committed to continue building so we can deliver even more next year that our fans can be proud of,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “While we begin the offseason process, which will include signing new players and negotiating with those out of contract, we want to also thank and wish the best of luck to those who are no longer continuing with our Club for all they have given over their time as a Lion.
The Lions enter the 2021-22 offseason with 10 players under guaranteed contracts for the upcoming campaign. That includes forwards Alexander Alvarado and Silvester van der Water; midfielders Wilfredo Rivera and Júnior Urso; defenders Antonio Carlos, Michael Halliday, Robin Jansson, Kyle Smith and Thomas Williams; and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
The Club has exercised its contract options on forwards Tesho Akindele, Daryl Dike and Benji Michel; midfielders Joey DeZart, Sebastián Méndez and Andrés Perea; defenders João Moutinho, Ruan and Rodrigo Schlegel; and goalkeepers Adam Grinwis and Mason Stajduhar.
Following three seasons, the Club has declined to exercise its contract option on forward Nani, as previously announced. Additionally, the Club has declined the contract options on forwards Derek Dodson and David Loera; midfielders Raul Aguilera and Jordan Bender; and defenders Emmanuel Mas and Rio Hope-Gund.
City has extended Bona Fide Offers to forwards Alexandre Pato and Chris Mueller, both of whom are out of contract, which will allow the Club to maintain a Right of First Refusal for the players. Midfielders Uri Rosell and Mauricio Pereyra, who joined the Club in 2018 and 2019, respectively, are both also out of contract. The Club is currently in discussions with Pato, Rosell and Pereyra regarding returning for 2022. Mueller, as previously announced, will depart the Club after signing a pre-contract with Hibernian FC.
Forward Matheus Aiás remains on loan with Spanish side Real Oviedo until the end of the 2021/22 LaLiga SmartBank season.
