Daryl Dike has slowly started to become a household name for USMNT fans. The young striker came on to the scene showing his scoring capacity at Orlando City, where Dike scored 8 goals in 17 games. Dike almost won the young player award in 2020 and quickly his talents were spotted by Barnsley of the English Championship, where he was loaned for the remainder of the 2021 season.
At Barnsley, Dike was a sensation, striking 9 times in 19 games for a team who played a very unattractive kick and rush style, the big target forward showed his skill on the ball and used his weight to get spaces and strike on goal. Despite Barnsley not being able to win promotion to the Premier League, Dike’s stint was very successful, but Barnsley could not execute the $20 million buy option on the loan.
Since his stint at Barnsley and now upon his return to MLS, Dike is the subject of a lot of transfer talk, MLS and Orlando City are asking for at least $20 million. The striker added to his value scoring his first international goal against Costa Rica for the USMNT. Here are the four clubs that have a heavy interest in Dike according to various reports in England.
Everton
Daryl Dike #24 of the United States controls the ball against Yeltsin Tejeda #17 of Costa Rica (Getty)
Everton has been linked with Dike since the striker began to get notice from the English press. Everton has been very kind with American players, it has been home to Joe Max-Moore, Tim Howard, and Landon Donovan. Everton is also interested in LAFC striker Diego Rossi, so it might come down to who they can get for cheaper.
Leeds United
Daryl Dike with Orlando City (Getty)
This rumor started near the end of Dike’s stint, and while USMNT fans mouth water at the possibility of Dike playing under Marcelo Bielsa, this looks farfetched. Bielsa’s tactics would require a huge change in game for the striker, which at the current rate, doesn’t seem like a gamble Leeds would take.
Wolves
Daryl Dike of Barnsley celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Luton Town (Getty)
Wolves could be a good fit for Dike, he would most certainly fight for a starting position and is a club that has similar expectations like Barnsley or Everton. The main issue may be Dike’s price tag.
Manchester United
Daryl Dike of Barnsley celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town (Getty)
Yes, Manchester United, it was reported that ManU were monitoring the young striker, and while Manchester United is stacked at forward, Dike could be a good second option for ManU and could afford him at the price MLS wants. With the influx of Americans on top clubs around the World, Dike could very well go to Manchester United but surely as a sub role.
