Orlando City are set to sign USMNT forward Nicholas Gioacchini on a free transfer from French club SM Caen, according to MLSSoccer.com transfer wizard Tom Bogert.
Source: Orlando City SC finalizing acquisition of USMNT forward Nico Gioacchini from French club SM Caen. Free transfer, Caen retain sell on %.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 18, 2022
Gioacchini, turning 22 this week, has made 8 apps with USMNT. Was on loan at Montpillier last year, but only played ~500 Ligue 1 mins. pic.twitter.com/k7z3tJlm89
The 21-year-old forward has eight appearances with the US Men's National Team, playing a role in the succesful 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign.
Gioacchini's spent his entire club career in France, but was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He showed flashes with Caen in Ligue 2, enough to earn buzz from the national team and endless MLS rumors, but spent last year on a dissapointing loan spell to Ligue 1 side Montpellier, where he failed to break into the starting line up and make an impact.
If this signing were to go through for Orlando City, it'd be a fantastic move to provide desperately needed attacking depth. After the sale of Silvester van der Water and with the injury to U22 signing Gaston Gonzalez, there was a clear hole in the lineup for another dangerous forward, and Gioacchini could be that at the MLS level.
Aside from filling a needed role on the field, this would be an incredibly smart signing from Luiz Muzzi and the front office. Getting a talented, young American prospect for free is the perfect MLS transfer. He won't require any special roster spots or even an international spot, giving valuable roster flexibility.
According to Bogert's reporting, Caen will retain a sell on percentage, which could come into play if Gioacchini develops and performs to his talent level. With European and national team experience, he's a prime candidate to move back across the Atlantic with strong MLS displays, and could continue to build Orlando's reputation as a seller.
This transfer is still not confirmed by the club, but Bogert is the best source of transfer information in MLS. If he puts out a Tweet like this, the move is almost certain, and this move would be a dream acquisition to bolster Orlando's roster before the playoff push.