Better late than never, right? Peru international centre back Carlos Ascues is finally a Orlando City SC player with the Lions officially confirming his arrival today.
Despite Major League Soccer’s Secondary Transfer Window closing last Wednesday, Orlando City SC have managed to conclude a loan deal until the end of the season for the 26-year-old defender.
Embarking on his first ever stint in MLS, Carlos Ascues last played for Alianza Lima in his Peruvian homeland and joins international compatriot Yoshimar Yotún at Orlando City Stadium.
NEWS: Orlando City Acquires Defender Carlos Ascues on Loan.
📝 https://t.co/7NE8i8X1xT#VamosOrlando
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) August 16, 2018
Plugging the gap
Not a member of Los Incas‘ squad that competed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Carlos Ascues‘ arrival immediately strengthens our options at centre back.
A real problem position for Orlando City SC in 2018, James O’Connor remarkably fielded the Lions’ tenth different centre back combination of the season against New England Revolution recently.
With Lamine Sané and Jonathan Spector both suffering long spells out with injury this term, Orlando City SC are desperately seeking consistency in selection at centre back and hopefully Carlos Ascues can provide that.
An experienced defender
Standing at 6 ft 1 1⁄2 in, Carlos Ascues is an experienced defender who has played in Peru, Portugal, Greece and Germany so far in his professional career.
Having previously been on the books of German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, like defensive compatriot Amro Tarek, Carlos Ascues can also play in defensive midfield but is favoured at centre back.
A member of Alianza Lima’s 2017 championship campaign, Carlos Ascues boasts 21 senior international caps with Peru, scoring on five occasions.
An anticipated transfer
While Orlando City SC only officially confirmed Carlos Ascues’ signing today, the Peruvian’s transfer has certainly been anticipated with Lions supporters picking up clues on social media since last Thursday.
.@ClubALoficial have explicitly stated on Instagram that @carlos_ascues is on his way to @OrlandoCitySC! ✈️🇵🇪
Still no official word from the 🦁’s but the evidence looks promising…#OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/u0j2DMzT0h
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 11, 2018
With Alianza Lima’s official Instagram account bidding farewell to Carlos Ascues while explicitly tagging in Orlando City SC as his next destination last Friday, this particular transfer was revealed early, much like our winter signings were.
.@carlos_ascues will wear squad number 2️⃣6️⃣ during his loan spell with @OrlandoCitySC! 🇵🇪⚽️
The number was last worn by Sidney Rivera during our inaugural @MLS season… 🤓#OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/sXZUdGXuhM
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) August 16, 2018
During his loan spell in Central Florida, Carlos Ascues will wear squad number 26, last worn by Sidney Rivera in our inaugural MLS season. Remember him?
Orlando City UK gathered some of the best tweets following news of Carlos Ascues‘ arrival…
We did it. This is what it feels like to win. Wow.
— Record is Unavailable (@VeniVidiVesey) August 16, 2018
Is there an option to buy in the loan? Only says option to extend?
— Michael Cerasa (@mcerasa) August 16, 2018
How do we add him without an international roster spot? Are we moving someone?
— Murphwave (@Murphwave) August 16, 2018
He better be good. No Ascues’ 😂
— Dan Kraus (@DKraus99) August 11, 2018
Done deal. Hopefully he’ll be all good to play on the 24th. Any details on that?
— Record is Unavailable (@VeniVidiVesey) August 16, 2018
Welcome to Orlando @carlos_ascues !!!
💜🦁⚽️— Carla Wawrzaszek (@CarlaWinOrlando) August 16, 2018
About time
— Nick (@Cleverrr_) August 16, 2018
Too late to save this season.. but ok ! pic.twitter.com/UactZQnzqA
— David Valentin 🇵🇷😈🦁⚽️ (@dvorlando) August 16, 2018