Orlando City SC stays attacking-minded with its offseason moves, as indicated by the club’s most recent trade.
On Monday, ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle and Paul Tenorio reported the Lions traded with Columbus Crew SC for Justin Meram. In exchange, Columbus will receive $1.05 million in allocation money and a 2019 international spot to be returned in 2020. The Crew will have $750,000 for targeted-allocation money and $300,000 in general-allocation money.
“Justin is the ideal fit to round out our attacking group. He’s a proven contributor in our league who can both score and create goals,” City general manager Niki Budalic said, per the team’s official press release. “His 1-v-1 ability and versatility to operate in various roles will add another dimension to our attack.”
The Lions already made a significant trade this offseason when City acquired midfielder Sacha Kljestan from the New York Red Bulls. Kljestan led Major League Soccer in assists over the past two seasons, and, now, City add another versatile offensive threat.
Meram scored a career-high 13 goals last season, also adding 7 assists. The Iraqi men’s national-team player has played the last seven seasons with Columbus, becoming a regular starter by 2014.
In total, Meram totaled 37 goals and 33 assists for Columbus in 188 appearances, 134 starts.
“[An] emotional day for myself as I say goodbye to the club who drafted me, molded me into the persona I am today and gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream as a professional for seven years,” Meram wrote on Instagram Monday. “… Time for me to be fearless and move on to the next chapter of my life with new challenges.
“Orlando City SC… I am so excited for this opportunity, your belief in me, and I am ready to help this club achieve great things in the near future.”
Meram has also started and appeared in 12 MLS playoff matches, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists. He most recently tallied a goal and an assist in five playoff matches this past postseason to help Columbus to its second MLS Eastern Conference final in three seasons.
Internationally, the 29-year-old has appeared in 25 matches for Iraq. Although he was born in Michigan, his parents immigrated from their home country to the United States.
City are in the midst of a 10-day, team-bonding trip in Jacksonville. Meram is expected to join the team ahead of its first preseason match against Jacksonville University.
For more on the Lions, as they continue their team-bonding trip in Jacksonville, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
