TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Loan
Orlando City SC have acquired Colombian midfielder Andres Perea on loan from Atletico Nacional in the player's home country, the club announced Monday. The deal includes an option to buy following the season.
Perea, 19, represented Colombia at both the U-17 and U-20 World Cups, and plays as a right-footed central midfielder, primarily a No. 6. Born in Tampa, Florida, Perea holds dual citizenship with Colombia and the United States.
“Andres is an exciting young prospect who we’ve been tracking for a while,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “At a very young age he already has experience playing for one of the most traditional teams in South America and has also represented Colombia in U-17 and U-20 FIFA World Cups. We’re thrilled Andres chose Orlando City as the next step in his career.”
Nacional is one of Colombia's biggest clubs. Perea made his debut in 2017, when the player was 17.
Orlando have undergone a bit of a midfield transition so far this offseason, with the likes of Sacha Kljestan, Will Johnson, Carlos Ascues and Cristian Higuita all departing this offseason. Perea will be expected to compete with Sebastian Mendez, Ori Rosell and Mauricio Pereyra for minutes in central midfield.
The Lions recently appointed Oscar Pareja head coach, as the club look to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time in OCSC history.
