Transfer Rumors: Croatian International Ivica Olić Says He’s Been in Contact with Orlando City

Croatian international Ivica Olić says he is mulling over a move to MLS — potentially in the winter transfer window — and Orlando City is one of the parties he’s been in contact with, according to this story on the German site, Bild.

The 35-year-old striker / wing said the Lions and Seattle Sounders have been in contact and that:

“In the winter we make a decision. Anything can happen.”

Olić has 101 career caps with the Croatian national team since 2002, scoring 20 international goals and appearing in three World Cups (2002, 2006, 2014). He has been used primarily as a sub for Bundesliga side Hamburger SV in 18 appearances in his most recent stint with the club, scoring two goals. He scored 29 goals with the club in 78 games during his previous stint from 2007-09.

The 6-foot native of Davor will turn 36 on Sept. 14, but obviously believes he has enough gas in the tank to start for an MLS team. Olić has played for some top European clubs, including Wolfsburg (28 goals in 78 appearances from 2012-15), Bayern Munich (13 goals in 55 appearances from 2009-12), and CSKA Moscow (35 goals in 78 appearances from 2003-07).

Despite his age, if there’s still tread on the tires, Olić would make an intriguing addition to Orlando City. He would provide a veteran presence at the striker position capable of showing Cyle Larin the ropes. He could also perform spot duty in the attacking midfield, primarily on the left side.

Olić may have lost a few steps off the impressive pace he once had, but he still runs hard and that work rate can rub off on his young teammates if he does sign with City. The flip side of that is he isn’t starting for a 1-0-2 Hamburger side.

I consider this potential transfer as plausible. First of all, the player is quoted as saying he’s been in contact. But at his age, certainly City shouldn’t pay a premium price to land him. If GM Paul McDonough and Head Coach Adrian Heath believe Olić has some tread left on the tires, and can land him for less than Designated Player money or a paid-down version to keep from using a DP slot, I think this could be a decent addition prior to the 2016 MLS season.

What do you think? Should Orlando City target Olić? Be sure to cast your vote in our poll, below.

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