Orlando City News: Mueller signs Hibernian contract
Major League Soccer forward Chris Mueller has signed a preliminary agreement with Scottish Premier League team Hibernian after negotiations broke down with current club Orlando City SC.
The MLS page revealed that they had been in contact and during heavy contract negotiations with the player “for a long time” before his deal expired, but the two did not reach a solution. Mueller will remain in Orlando City for the remainder of the 2021 season before joining Hibernian in January, the team announced on Thursday.
“The pre-contract was signed in accordance with all FIFA rules,” the club’s release stated. “As mentioned, Mueller’s contract with Orlando City is valid until the end of the MLS 2021 season and will continue as a member of the Lions list for the remainder of his time in Orlando.”
The American forwarding company originally joined Orlando 2018 as number six overall in this year’s MLS SuperDraft. In three years, Mueller has scored 20 goals and 22 assists in 96 overall games for the club.
Mueller has played a key role in Orlando City’s success, especially in 2020 after inspiring the club’s first ever mail season. Under head coach Oscar Pareja, Mueller found his form and led the team to various moments of glory.
US international Chris Mueller has signed a preliminary agreement to join Hibs in January? ⚪️
Looking forward to welcoming you to Easter Road, @ CMueller1662! ?
– Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) July 22, 2021
Internationally, the Chicago Indian has recorded two games for the US men’s national team and made two appearances in his debut match against El Salvador. When Mueller leaves, Orlando will still be led by the influential Nani and USMNT-awarded Daryl Dike – who is ready to shoot in the Eastern Conference after a successful loan spell with English champions Barnsley.