Last week, Orlando City SC‘s 2020 preparations switched up a gear with the hiring of Oscar Pareja and today, the Lions announced a fellow Colombian as the club’s first outfield signing for the year ahead.
Nineteen-year-old defensive or central midfielder Andrés Perea joins the Lions on a one-year loan from Atlético Nacional with an option to buy.
NEWS: Orlando City Acquires Colombian Midfielder Andrés Perea on Loan. #VamosOrlando
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) December 9, 2019
No stranger to Central Florida, 6 ft 0 in Andrés Perea was born down the I-4 in Tampa on November 14, 2000 with the teenager interestingly holding citizenship for both the United States and Colombia.
>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW ANDRÉS PEREA’S PLAYER PROFILE <<
Making his senior debut for Atlético Nacional aged just 17, the highly-rated youngster immediately strengthens an area of need for Oscar Pareja‘s side.
After all, Orlando City SC officially said goodbye to longtime Lions Cristian Higuita, Will Johnson and Sacha Kljestan, plus Carlos Ascues and Dillon Powers today.
With all these players performing in central midfield under James O’Connor last season, Andrés Perea is an exciting up-and-coming talent who, in tandem with Jhegson Méndez, makes Orlando City SC‘s engine room look far more dynamic.
— Andres Perea (@andresperea06) December 9, 2019
Speaking after Andrés Perea‘s announcement as an Orlando City SC player, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations, Luiz Muzzi said: “Andrés is an exciting young prospect who we’ve been tracking for a while.
“We’re thrilled Andrés chose Orlando City as the next step in his career.”
Following Andrés Perea‘s arrival at Exploria Stadium, Orlando City UK gathered the best tweets following the recruitment of the right-footed dual-national.
Pretty sure he played every minute of the u20 World Cup for Colombia, and he was also born in Tampa so he doesn’t occupy an international spot for us. Very good move to test him out and see if he will be worth buying.
— mike. (@mikeaspillane) December 9, 2019
Future look at @andresperea06 through ball to Ruan blazing down the right side @OrlandoLionsDen pic.twitter.com/5V7kAWaeqG
— Austin 🐺 (@OnlyTruAustin) December 9, 2019
WE SIGNED SOMEONE!!!!! Welcome Andrés!!!
— Adam Milsom (@KosherTacoTruck) December 9, 2019
Yes! Youth! Hopefully some speed too! Hopefully he’s a mold Diego Chara
— D Martinez (@1011dcm) December 9, 2019
Welcome to the show!!! Time to work! 😈
— The Ruckus (@RuckusOrlando) December 9, 2019
Can’t wait to see you in purple 😈
— Charlotte (@KirbyHazard) December 9, 2019