Abdi Salim on intensive development duty for Orlando City SC
• Already got his first goal
• Building toward a starting spot with Orlando City
With defense questions settled for the time being, Orlando City SC has sent a future starter for seasoning in the USL.
Orlando City SC sent defender Abdi Salim to Detroit City SC for the rest of the season. This accelerates Salim’s development and shortens the time before he gets regular starts with Orlando.
At the time of the player loan, Detroit stood sixth in the USL Championship East, with a 7-4-2 record after 13 games.
Salim has been on many scouts’ radar since his Academy days. He appeared in four Orlando games last season, two starts, since his 17th selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
He’s also made 17 starts in 23 appearances for Orlando City B, scoring two goals.
So he needs a lot more seasoning soon to finish developing the skills the home club needs. The Orlando City first team will be watching as he completes this phase of development.
He’s just returned from his international call-up to the Somalia team. When he hits the pitch, he shows proficiency in passing and shooting on target. He’s shown an interest in playing more physically. So, fully developed, he will become one of Orlando City’s best hybrid defenders.
As General Manager Luiz Muzzi explained, this move is a chance for Salim to develop. Plus it's an opportunity for Orlando to evaluate how the defender tests himself in unfamiliar match situations.
Detroit scouts and coaches got to review his work during his recent international duty with Somalia. So it was decided that’s where he’ll join the accelerated program.
He had to get ready to hit the pitch quickly. He debuted for Detroit City FC June 22 Pumas UNAM of Liga MX. In the 54th minute, he scored the game-winner.
Besides enjoying his development in live-game situations, Salim will be part of a strong football culture in Detroit. The club recently acquired the property of the former Southwest Detroit Hospital to build a soccer-specific stadium. They plan the opening for their 2027 season.
They now play matches at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, an enclave of Detroit.
Look for Abdi Salim helping drive Detroit City FC up the standings as he works his way to starts on the Orlando City SC pitch.