On-field struggles and a disconnected relationship with fans has led to attacking midfielder Justin Meram’s departure from the City Beautiful.
After less than a full season with the Lions, Meram was traded back to Columbus Crew SC, the side Orlando City acquired Meram from this past offseason, City officially announced on Aug. 3. In return, the Central Florida side will receive $300,000 in 2018 targeted-allocation money, $450,000 in 2019 targeted-allocation money and a 2019 international-roster spot.
In the initial trade that brought Meram to Orlando, Columbus received $750,000 in targeted-allocation money, $300,000 in general-allocation money and a 2019 international roster spot that would have been returned in 2020.
Meram posted just one goal and three assists in 17 appearances and 14 starts. His strained relationship with fans was most apparent after he scored his first and only goal as a Lion in a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United FC on May 13. After scoring, he ran to the Wall and plugged both his ears.
In Meram, Orlando City hoped to add to a core of talented offensive players that included midfielder Yoshimar Yotún, first-year Lion Sacha Kljestan and forward Dom Dwyer.
Meram was coming off a career season with Columbus in 2017, posting his first double-digit goals total of his career with 13 goals. A year earlier in 2016, Meram notched his first season with double-digit assists, tallying 13.
Orlando City return to action on Saturday to face the sixth-place New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. Despite losing 12 of their last 13 games, the Lions are just sixth place out of the final playoffs position.
For more on the Lions, as they make a push for their first-ever playoffs appearance, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
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