With the Major League Soccer Secondary Transfer Window closing shortly on August 7, could there still be room for one more Orlando City SC addition this summer?
On Monday evening, respected Latin American journalist Martin Charquero tweeted that Uruguayan attacking midfielder Mauricio Pereyra is “about to sign a contract with Orlando City”.
Mauricio Pereyra está a punto de firmar contrato con Orlando City. El futbolista está viajando para Estados Unidos. pic.twitter.com/bSMCT8k4dG
— Martin Charquero (@MartinCharquero) July 29, 2019
In a translated version of Charquero’s original tweet, he also stated the 29-year-old is “traveling to the United States” to seal the deal in what could be a hugely exciting, surprise end to the summer for Lions supporters.
Adding Brazilian winger Robinho from Columbus Crew via trade back on July 11, the reported signing of Mauricio Pereyra would be a huge shot in the arm for Orlando City SC in their bid to reach the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Cryptic tweeting
Trying to connect the dots, Orlando City SC CEO Alex Leitão cryptically tweeted on Sunday that Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations, Luiz Muzzi, may have something up his sleeve before the MLS Secondary Transfer Window slams shut.
Summer window is still open, I guess Luiz will come up with something very interesting
— Alex Leitao (@alexleitao) July 28, 2019
Who is Mauricio Pereyra?
A classic number 10 who can also play deeper in central midfield or alternatively on the right wing, Mauricio Pereyra finished a seven-year stint at Russian side FC Krasnodar back in May.
Scoring 23 goals in over 150 appearances for the Russian Premier League side, Mauricio Pereyra is a capable goal getter from midfield, something Orlando City SC definitely lack from central areas.
Standing at 5 ft 7 in tall, Pereyra fits the profile of so many diminutive South American attacking midfielders who’ve taken MLS by storm over the years such as Sebastián Blanco, Nicolás Lodeiro and Maxi Moralez to name but three.
Prior to joining FC Krasnodar in February 2013, Mauricio Pereyra started his professional career at Nacional – the same club Orlando City SC signed José Aja from – before joining Miguel Almirón’s former club, Lanús, in August 2011.
If signed, he would not only bring genuine quality but also vital experience to Orlando City SC‘s roster having played against top quality opposition for FC Krasnodar in the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League.
A position of need
Looking at Orlando City SC‘s current 2019 roster, James O’Connor‘s side lack a true creative number 10 with Mauricio Pereyra certainly filling a position of need, if signed.
With Josué Colmán‘s Lions career faltering and Sacha Kljestan‘s influence waning in the twilight of his career, the Pereyra news has certainly got #OCTwitter watching keenly with excitement.
Orlando City UK awaits news of any further developments to this transfer story.