Transfer Rumor: Benfica’s Yannick Djaló to Orlando City?

Portuguese sports site A Bola is reporting that Benfica striker Yannick Djaló is looking to enter the January transfer market in search of a new club, with Orlando City being rumored his favored destination. There is already a solid relationship between Benfica and Orlando City, a partnership that has seen the American club bring over two young players on transfer from Portugal, as well as sending its players to train at the iconic European club.

Djaló began his career at rival Sporting, where he appeared 98 times and found the net 23 times. His time at Benfica has been dominated by injuries and loans to French club Toulouse and MLS side San Jose Earthquakes. His loan in MLS lasted 17 games and saw him score 3 times. He was also named MLS Player of the Week while stateside.

As Orlando City continues to build a roster for the U.S. top flight and look to surround its star midfielder Kaká with lethal strikers, Djaló could certainly fit that role. And he’s a known commodity to Orlando City Assistant Coach Mark Watson, who was Djaló’s head coach in San Jose.

In the end, rumors are just that until they come to pass, but Djaló to Orlando City makes sense when you consider all of the connections involved. If and when rumor starts to become fact, The Mane Land will have more information.