Atalanta's Luis Muriel confirms blockbuster Orlando City move, despite USMNT U-23 star Duncan McGuire returning to club after failed Blackburn Rovers transfer

The Atalanta star bid farewell to his fans, teammates and the club on Instagram with an emotional farewell Tuesday morning. According to ESPN, he left Italy Monday evening to fly to Orlando to begin his new journey in MLS. This comes after USMNT U-23 star Duncan McGuire, who also plays as a striker, returned to the Lions following a collapsed transfer to English side Blackburn Rovers.

"I already wanted to thank you so much for the four and a half wonderful years that I lived in Bergamo... Bergamo will always remain in my heart, like a second home. Thank you for all the messages of affection these days, I hope you will follow me with sympathy also in my new adventure in Orlando."

Muriel is now the latest superstar signing to join an MLS club in South Florida. Not only does McGuire feel like a 'new' signing for fans of the Lions, but a few hours away, archrivals Inter Miami have been active in the transfer market as well. They've added ex-Barcelona man Luis Suarez to their ranks up top, while their newest rumored acquisition - Federico Redondo - could be on his way to South Beach this week ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign.

The Lions kickoff their 2023 MLS campaign on Saturday, February 24 against CF Montreal in an Eastern Conference clash. However, their first competitive match of the season arrives against Cavalry FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 21.