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Undoubtedly a fan favourite with Orlando City SC supporters, the Yoshimar Yotún fanfare is now over with the much-loved Peruvian international joining Liga MX side Cruz Azul yesterday.
Fortunately for the Lions however, James O’Connor‘s side have moved quickly to sign a reinforcement in the form of Ecuador international midfielder Jhegson Méndez.
Orlando City SC Signs Ecuadorian Midfielder Jhegson Sebastián Méndez.
📰 https://t.co/HPZQUBKxvf#FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/7KdJ9LsvSL
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 28, 2018
Arriving at Orlando City Stadium from C.S.D. Independiente del Valle in his native Ecuador, 21-year-old Jhegson Méndez is a central midfielder by trade who can also play in defensive and attacking midfield.
Remind you of somebody familiar?
In truth, that’s where the similarities end however with Jhegson Méndez standing two inches taller than Yoshimar Yotún at 5 ft 11 in, right footed instead of left and not as talented a passer but rather a more athletic sprinter who is capable of making surging runs from deep.
Considering Jhegson Méndez has only just started his senior international career with five caps for Ecuador compared to Yoshimar Yotún being a veteran of over 70 caps plus one FIFA World Cup appearance for Peru, new arrival “Sebas” is very much a star on the rise.
Beating out multiple teams from Mexico and Brazil to land the 21-year-old, the Orlando City SC Front Office can feel very accomplished with this latest addition.
But what has #OCTwitter been making of these latest footnotes in what is proving to be yet another frantic off-season? P.S. – defender Danilo Acosta was also recruited on loan from Real Salt Lake today!
Orlando City UK gathered the best tweets following news of Yoshimar Yotún‘s exit and Jhegson Méndez‘s arrival below.
On Yoshimar Yotún’s exit…
It’s a win, win .. win. All the best to mi causita yoshi! No doubt he’ll succeed in @LIGABancomerMX . Excellent player, Outstanding left foot but even better person 🙌🏾 #vamosorlando https://t.co/Jcna2RhjAD
— Miguel Gallardo (@migallardo01) December 27, 2018
Very sad to see him go. He was def our best player. I really hope you get better ones soon.
— Andres Calle (@andrescalle78) December 28, 2018
Never has this meme of Alonzo been more appropriate. Sad and disappointed that we will miss the player but getting money for someone who could’ve walked on a free is good business. pic.twitter.com/1sSes1OqkF
— Chris (@Apollokid) December 27, 2018
Dude wanted out… there was only one year left on his deal, so get max offer now and not take a chance on losing him on a free next season… rumored transfer fee is 3.5-4 million (last week’s rumor)…
— daguru (@daguru9) December 27, 2018
Honestly the guy is a high profile player and Orlando doesn’t deserve him sad to see him go but we have been awful
— Ivan Zigarevich (@IvanZigarevich) December 27, 2018
— Michael (@MikenIke13) December 27, 2018
He is going to be 29 wanted La Liga but it didn’t happen. He wants a winning team maybe big money. He wouldn’t have been happy if they forced him to stay. So good bye Yoshi. You will be missed 💜
— MTBH (@MaureenHaynes17) December 27, 2018
Great deal. Love Yoshi but he was leaving. Leave for free or gain cash to get someone else quality. Also we have larger areas to fill. Thanks Yoshi for everything!
— Matthew chimato (@kss813) December 27, 2018
On Jhegson Méndez’s arrival…
Well done by #OCSC to quickly address central midfield needs, Jhegson Sebastián Méndez is a great signing. The 21 year old was one of the standouts in Ecuador in 2018, becoming a crucial player and captain for #IDV. Can play as a #8 or #6, very quick/athletic/dynamic.#MLS 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/W8oFhHv4Yx
— Joga Bonito USA (@Jasoninho10) December 28, 2018
Sebastián Méndez also broke into the #Ecuador team at end of 2018, making 5 starts in central midfield, often alongside Carlos Gruezo of #FCDallas.#OCSC beat out multiple teams from Mexico and Brazil to sign the 21 year old from #IDV, most notably Athletico Paranense.#MLS 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/2zTweXVsKK
— Joga Bonito USA (@Jasoninho10) December 28, 2018
Sebastián Méndez doesn't score many goals; but has the pace, athleticism, and dynamism to make surging runs from midfield. Very capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, but best in more a box-to-box role. Not as good a passer as Yotún, but a quality signing.#OCSC #MLS 🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/1sJ1zatC4g
— Joga Bonito USA (@Jasoninho10) December 28, 2018
Good signing, someone young who has great potential and can be a long-term replacement for Yoshi and bring a spark to that shaky midfield
— John Mack (@DisneyCityFC) December 28, 2018
He also captained Independiente del Valle this past year.
— Jorge S. *tomando tereré* (@ElMataflow) December 28, 2018
Good, more South American signings, or people who can actually dribble, rather than 4th round picks or buying Johnson type players
— DIEGO🇪🇨🤘⚽️🎮 (@FCBDIEGO_10) December 28, 2018
He will or should replace Yotun. He is definitely still young and has to learn. I'm curious if that works. 💪🏽😅
— MLS Supporters Germany (@MLS_Germany) December 28, 2018