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Luis Muriel leaving Orlando City?
Fuad Char stated that they already have an agreement with Luis Muriel and that the only thing remaining is for Orlando City to approve their proposal. El Heraldo indicated that whether Muriel joins Junior de Barranquilla would be decided in the next few hours or during Thursday morning. Muriel is reportedly very excited about the possibility of joining the club. He has spent nearly two years in MLS and could return to Junior de Barranquilla in 2026, a club where he was previously part of the youth divisions.
Luis Fernando Muriel is not being considered by Orlando City for this season. Junior de Barranquilla is interested in Muriel and is negotiating with him through a private company that would cover 15% of his salary. The negotiations are progressing slowly, and the prospect of Muriel joining Junior is decreasing. According to La FM, there are two reasons for this: the three-year contract Muriel wants, which the club does not view favorably, and alleged indiscipline, which La FM notes was mentioned by journalist Juan Felipe Cadavid. Muriel has offered to reduce his salary and wants to play for Junior. The potential departures of José Enamorado and Stiven Rodríguez are noted as key for Junior to fully consider Muriel's arrival.
In a conversation with Teófilo Gutiérrez, Luis Fernando Muriel stated his closeness to Junior de Barranquilla. Teófilo Gutiérrez mentioned that there are negotiations between Luis Fernando Muriel and Junior. Muriel acknowledged that he is trying to facilitate a negotiation and sent a message to Junior's management to apply pressure.
According to journalist Fabio Poveda, Junior has made an offer for Luis Muriel. Orlando City only wants to be relieved of paying the striker's contract in 2026 and will release Muriel for any offer the player approves. Poveda reported that Muriel's salary exceeds 3 million US dollars net. The first offer from Junior is very good for Colombian football but is significantly lower than what Muriel earns in MLS. The journalist added that Muriel wants to play for Junior but cannot accept such a large reduction in pay. It is expected that Junior will consider whether to improve its initial offer.
The player stated that upon returning to Italy, he experienced a different feeling that reminded him of the positive times he had there. He said he has a strong desire to return to play in Serie A. He added that he would very much like to return and, although it will not be easy, his future is yet to be determined, reiterating his strong desire to return.
Luis Fernando Muriel was rumored to be linked with Junior de Barranquilla for a return to Colombian football. However, in an interview with journalist Jaime Dinas, Muriel denied any offer or agreement with Junior, stating he is happy in the United States and with Orlando City. He mentioned that rumors were spread by intermediaries without any actual contact with Junior. Muriel emphasized that no offers from Junior or Nacional have been received, and he is enjoying his time in the MLS.
Futbolred has reported that Junior de Barranquilla is interested in acquiring Luis Fernando Muriel from Orlando City. Despite the challenges posed by Muriel's high salary demands and Orlando City's reluctance to release him, Junior remains hopeful about the transfer. Iván René Valenciano has been facilitating communication between Muriel and Junior. However, the negotiations are currently stalled due to Orlando City's firm stance and Muriel's existing contract, which extends until December 2026. Although Muriel has publicly expressed his desire to play for Junior in Colombia, he would need to formally request a transfer for the move to happen. His current salary stands at $2.5 million per season, with the potential to rise to $4 million upon achieving certain goals.
Junior de Barranquilla is close to signing Luis Fernando Muriel, who currently plays for Orlando City in the MLS. Journalist Juan Salvador mentioned that there is even a preliminary agreement with the 34-year-old forward. However, journalist Wilson Ganem noted that negotiations with Orlando City are still needed, and the transfer fee might be lower than expected because Muriel's contract ends on December 31, 2026. Transfermarkt currently estimates his market worth at 1.20 million euros.
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