What's happened to Daryl Dike in the MLS since leaving West Brom? | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at what has happened to Daryl Dike since leaving West Bromwich Albion this summer

Daryl Dike spent four-and-a-half injury-laden years at West Bromwich Albion between January 2022 and June 2026, but has since returned to where it all started for the American following his release this summer.

Ten-capped USMNT striker Daryl Dike first came onto the radar of clubs in England following his impressive performances for Orlando City in the MLS, and then-Championship side Barnsley took a punt on bringing the American to Oakwell on loan in January 2021.

Dike scored nine in 19 league games for the Tykes, helping the South Yorkshire outfit into the second-tier play-offs before crashing out to Swansea City, as the American would return to Orlando shortly after.

He'd continue his impressive displays in Florida, and tempted West Brom into spending around £7 million to bring him to the Hawthorns in January 2022. However, his impact left much to be desired, through little fault of his own.

Daryl Dike endured a horrendous time with injuries at West Bromwich Albion

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On his first start for West Brom, Dike injured his hamstring, ruling him out of action for the rest of the season immediately, as the Baggies felt the financial hit of their £7 million straight away in brutal fashion.

Upon his return to fitness, Dike was again struck down by another serious injury, this time tearing a thigh muscle in West Brom's season opener in the 2022/23 campaign against Stoke City, before rupturing his right Achilles tendon against the same opponents the following April.

Five games after his next return, in January 2024, the American then tore his left Achilles tendon, in an unprecedented horrendous streak of luck, as there seemed to be nothing he could do to prevent himself from spending the bulk of his time in the treatment room.

Daryl Dike left West Bromwich Albion this summer after an injury-laden spell

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Upon his arrival in the Black Country, it was hoped that Dike would be the man who would lead the Baggies back to the Premier League with his goals up top, but that couldn't have been further from the truth.

Consistent injury issues severely limited his minutes for the club, as Dike would make just 68 appearances across all competitions during his time in the Midlands, scoring 11 and assisting. 3.

Alongside each of Karlan Grant, Josh Maja, and Jed Wallace, Dike would be allowed to leave the club in the summer, and he has since returned to the club where he made a name for himself.

Daryl Dike has since returned to Orlando City following his West Bromwich Albion release

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Following his release from West Brom, the 26-year-old has returned to Orlando City, the club with whom he scored 18 goals in 35 MLS games before his permanent switch to England in 2022.

It's so far, so good for Dike, in terms of injuries, that is, having scored twice in eight appearances for the Florida-based outfit, and carefully managing and monitoring his fitness, whilst providing competition to former Atletico Madrid and French star Antoine Griezmann up top.

Upon his return to Orlando, Dike, via Loud & Proud Orlando on YouTube, said: "It’s a very good feeling.

"I think, for me, for the past few weeks since I’ve been here, I’ve been working for that moment, to be included, to be part of the team, to help the team get a result.

"The guys put on a big shift even before I came on, so it was nice to be able to contribute.

"And of course the welcome from everybody there, as a player it’s what you want when you’re playing."

Orlando currently sits eighth in the Eastern Conference, battling for one of the top nine places to go into the MLS play-offs, as Dike will be looking to help the Lions achieve their goal.

Daryl Dike issued an emotional farewell following his West Bromwich Albion departure this summer

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Following his release from the Baggies, Dike took to social media to share his gratitude to the club, the staff, and the supporters, in what ultimately proved to be a highly difficult situation for everyone involved.

Things didn't work out for Dike at West Brom as anyone at the club would have hoped, but still just 26, there is more than enough time for his career to get back on the right track, which he will be hoping to do with Orlando.