Twitter reacts to… Orlando City SC signing Pedro Gallese

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Orlando City SC‘s off-season recruitment drive currently stands at eight new first team players after the Lions officially announced the signing of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese today.

City’s highest profile signing of the winter so far, the 29-year-old Peruvian international number one becomes Orlando City SC‘s most established stopper in Major League Soccer to date.

Arriving at Exploria Stadium after his previous parent club Veracruz were disaffiliated from Liga MX, Pedro Gallese has been strongly linked with Orlando City SC since late December.

Pedro Gallese joins the Lions after turning down an offer from Alianza Lima who he made 26 appearances for on loan last year.

>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW PEDRO GALLESE’S PLAYER PROFILE <<

With Pedro Gallese nicknamed “The Octopus” in recognition of his shot stopping ability, this describes the cryptic tweet by Orlando City SC prior to officially announcing the Peruvian’s arrival.

Who is Pedro Gallese?

Highly experienced, Pedro Gallese is a veteran of 62 caps for Peru and is Los Incas‘ current first choice goalkeeper at international level.

Part of Peru’s Copa América squads in 2015, 2016 and 2019, Pedro Gallese also started all three of Los Incas‘ Group C fixtures at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Standing at 6 ft 3 in, Gallese’s senior domestic career began with Universidad San Martín in his Peruvian homeland back in 2008.

Making 56 appearances for Los Albos and winning the league title in 2010, his time at the club included a loan spell at lower league Atlético Minero in 2009.

In 2015, Pedro Gallese joined fellow Peruvian club Juan Aurich before a four-year affiliation with Liga MX side Veracruz.

A Supercopa MX runner-up with Veracruz in 2016, Gallese most recently represented one of Peru’s most decorated clubs Alianza Lima on loan in 2019.

The same club that former Lion Carlos Ascues represented in two spells, Pedro Gallese becomes City’s third ever Peruvian after Ascues and Yoshimar Yotún.

Besides Donovan Ricketts and Josh Saunders, Pedro Gallese is the Lions’ only other MLS goalkeeper boasting experience on the international stage.

Having started so many international games for Peru, namely at decorated tournaments across the world, the calibre of Pedro Gallese‘s signing has really excited the Orlando City SC fanbase.

Speaking after Pedro Gallese‘s arrival, Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said: “We are very excited to welcome Pedro to our roster.

“He is a proven goalkeeper at both the club and international levels with World Cup experience on his resume.”

“His track record speaks for itself and we are thrilled to add his presence to our roster ahead of this season.”

Pedro Gallese most recently wore 23 for Alianza Lima but his Orlando City SC squad number is yet to be confirmed by the club.

With Brian Rowe currently wearing 23, it’s anticipated that Gallese will take squad number 1 at Exploria Stadium.

International call-ups

While Pedro Gallese‘s arrival should have a positive effect on Orlando City SC hunting down a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs, he could be missing a chunk of 2020.

Being Ricardo Gareca’s first choice starter for Peru, Pedro Gallese will likely join Los Incas‘ squad for participation in the 2020 Copa América next summer.

With the tournament taking place between 12 June and 12 July, a deep run by Peru could see Gallese missing for some time.

After all, Pedro Gallese was a starter in the 2019 Copa América Final where Peru lost out to Brazil 3-1 at Estádio do Maracanã.

And this isn’t to mention Peru’s international friendlies throughout the course of 2020.

Nevertheless, with Brian Rowe having got one full season under his belt at Exploria Stadium, he would represent an experienced deputy with Orlando City SC saying goodbye to Adam Grinwis and Greg Ranjitsingh this off-season.

The fans’ view

With #OCTwitter currently reacting to Pedro Gallese‘s announcement as an Orlando City SC player, we gathered the best tweets following his arrival.

What are YOU making of Pedro Gallese’s arrival at Orlando City SC?

Comment below or tweet us at @Orlando_CityUK to let us know!

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