Orlando City Acquires Center Back Amro Tarek on Loan

Orlando City has announced the acquisition of Amro Tarek on a one-year loan from Wadi Degla FC with a club option to buy at the end of the loan, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

Tarek, 25, joins Orlando City from Wadi Degla FC, where he made 11 appearances in the Egyptian Premier League in 2017-2018. The defender previously made 25 appearances across all competitions in 2016-2017 for ENPPI Club in Egypt.

Despite being an Egyptian international (one cap), Tarek will not occupy an international roster slot, as he was born in Los Angeles. He moved to Egypt in his youth and eventually played for that country at both the U-20 and senior levels. He moved to Germany as a teenager and had stints with German reserve sides FC Magdeburg II, SC Freiburg II, and VfL Wolfsburg II in his youth soccer history between the ages of 17 and 21.

In 2016, Tarek played for Real Betis in Spain’s La Liga, and was loaned to the Columbus Crew for part of the year where he was teammates with newly acquired left wing Justin Meram and made one appearance with the club. Having some familiarity with MLS should help Tarek get acclimated to the team.

“We are pleased to welcome Amro on loan,” Lions General manager Niki Budalic said in a club press release. “He’s an athletic left-footed center back who will add competition to our defensive group. His familiarity with MLS and hunger to succeed will allow him to transition well into Orlando.”

The 6-foot-3 Tarek not only has experience at the center back position but has also played left back in his career as well, displaying his versatility in multiple defensive positions. Versatility has been a main theme of Orlando City acquisitions this off-season. Based on the current roster, Tarek is expected to compete with Jose Aja for the second center back spot next to Johnathan Spector. However, another move to strengthen the position may yet be in the cards for the Lions.

Here are some highlights of the latest Orlando City addition

With a plethora of additions this past week, Orlando City is in the final stretch to complete this year’s squad.

Stay tuned to The Mane Land for the latest Orlando City news!