ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 20, 2024) – Orlando City SC has transferred forward and Designated Player Facundo Torres to Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras of Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A for a Club record transfer fee, pending a medical, it was announced today. Per Club policy, additional terms of the transfer will not be disclosed.
“First, we want to thank Facu for everything he has done for this Club. He has been involved in so many great moments and successes during his time here that will leave a lasting legacy in our history,” said EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “Because of that success, Facu has generated the attention of the global market, and this is a move that, at this time, makes sense for both Facundo and Orlando City. Not only does this continue a great and established relationship with a successful club in Palmeiras, but it shows our success in developing young talent into world stars. We want to thank Facu again for his hard work and everything he has helped bring to our Club and our fans during his time in Orlando. We wish him the best as he takes these next steps in his career.”
“Today I say goodbye to a club that marked an unforgettable stage in my career and in my life, my first experience as a professional away from home. Thank you to the staff, my teammates and all the people who are part of this club for the constant support and trust from the first day,” Torres said. “I leave with pride for what we achieved together and with the satisfaction of having left my mark on this club that will always be special to me. I wish you the greatest success in the future. Thank you for everything, Orlando. I’ll miss you.”
Torres, 24, made 113 starts in 123 appearances for the Lions across all competitions, scoring 47 total goals and providing 25 assists. The Las Piedras, Uruguay, native set the Club records for most goals scored all-time for Orlando City (47) and most goals scored in a single season (20), passing former Lion Cyle Larin’s previous marks for both. The Uruguayan winger is also the Club’s all-time leader in goal contributions, with 72 total.
A product of Peñarol’s youth academy system in Uruguay, Torres joined Orlando City ahead of the 2022 MLS campaign and helped lead the Lions to their first trophy in the Club’s MLS era, the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the Club’s first two appearances in the Concacaf Champions Cup and the Club’s first-ever appearance in the Conference Finals of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
The transfer marks the third such transaction between Orlando City and Palmeiras, with the Lions previously acquiring former defender Antonio Carlos and current winger Iván Angulo from the São Paulo-based side. O Verdão is considered one of Brazil’s most successful clubs, claiming 12 Brazilian championships, four Brazilian cups, three Copa Libertadores titles and one FIFA Club World Cup. Palmeiras has also previously played at Inter&Co Stadium, winning the 2020 Florida Cup organized by FC Series.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC transfers forward and Designated Player Facundo Torres to Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras of Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
