Orlando, Besiktas square off over who Canadian Cyle Larin is going to play for

TORONTO — Orlando City is insisting Cyle Larin remains under contract to them despite statements by Besiktas that the Canadian international striker is leaving Major League Soccer for the Turkish champions. 

“Orlando City SC is aware of the announcement made by Besiktas J.K. regarding forward Cyle Larin,” the MLS club said in a statement Saturday. “The club has not agreed to terms on a transfer of Larin and will take all necessary action against Besiktas in response to the announcement.

“Larin remains under contract with Orlando City through 2019 and is expected to join his teammates at pre-season camp later this month.”

Besiktas tweeted photos of Larin giving a thumbs up while wearing a team shirt and undergoing a medical, saying in its English twitter feed: “Negotiations on for signing Canadian striker Cyle Larin as he undergoes physical.”

The 22-year-old from Brampton, Ont., a former MLS rookie of the year, has 43 goals in 87 games for Orlando over three seasons.

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Larin, who has played 23 times for Canada with five goals, has made no secret of his desire to play in Europe. Should the move to Besiktas go through, he would be reunited with Canadian teammate Atiba Hutchinson.

The Canadian Press