TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
In a swap of defenders, Joao Moutinho has been traded to Orlando City SC in exchange for Mohamed El-Munir, who heads to LAFC, the club announced on Tuesday.
As part of a flurry of moves, Orlando also acquired a natural fourth-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for defender Amro Tarek.
Moutinho, 20, was the first overall selection of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and started 10 of the 14 regular season games he appeared in during his rookie season. His scored one goal, the 97th-minute winner in a 4-3 victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on June 9.
A member of the 2018 Generation adidas class, Moutinho will retain that status with the Lions and will not count against Orlando City SC’s salary cap.
El-Munir appeared in 26 games — starting 23 — with a pair of assists in 2,089 minutes. The Libyan international also appeared in all three of Orlando’s U.S. Open Cup contests.
“Mohamed showed a great deal of potential and performed very well in his first season in MLS.” LAFC general manager and EVP of soccer operations John Thorrington said in a statement. “He is a dynamic, versatile player who will translate well to how we play. At 26, Mohamed is in the peak of his career and we are very pleased that we were able to finalize this deal.”
Amro Tarek, who was signed for one year by Orlando with an option to buy (which was declined) from Wadi Degla FC, started 19 of the 20 games he appeared in during the regular season. He scored one goal, which came in a 3-3 draw against the New England Revolution on August 4.
"We are pleased to add Amro to our club," Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett said in a statement. “He is a versatile defender with experience both in MLS and abroad, and he has qualities that we like. We look forward to Amro joining us for preseason camp and seeing how he fits with our team."
