As the MLS off-season continues, Orlando City SC are working hard to strengthen the squad ahead of our 2025 campaign. Yesterday, North American transfer expert Tom Bogert tweeted that the Lions “are nearing a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras.”
If Orlando City SC finalise this deal, it will be a significant reinforcement. Eduard Atuesta is a proven MLS talent who knows the league inside out, making him a strong addition to the Lions’ midfield, especially considering Wilder Cartagena’s untimely Achilles tendon injury.
🟣🇨🇴 BREAKING: Orlando City are nearing a deal to sign Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta from Palmeiras, sources say.
Atuesta, 27, spent last season on loan at LAFC. Won 2018 Shield with LAFC, two titles with Palmeiras
Would be huge signing for Orlandohttps://t.co/ONDgjug3wp
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) February 1, 2025
The current mood of the fanbase
There’s a growing sense that Orlando City SC are making a smart, calculated move with this potential signing.
One half of our dynamic central midfield double pivot, Wilder Cartagena, suffered an Achilles tendon injury against Atlético Mineiro on January 25.
Early reports suggest he could be sidelined for anywhere between three to six months.
Replacing such a pivotal player is a must, and Eduard Atuesta looks like an ideal candidate.
He’s a technically gifted midfielder with strong defensive awareness, distribution, and the ability to dictate tempo in the middle of the park.
Orlando City SC fans are eager to see how the club responds to Cartagena’s injury, and if Atuesta joins, it would be a reassuring sign that the Front Office is serious about competing in 2025.
Atuesta isn’t necessarily a flashy, headline-grabbing signing, but he’s the type of player who makes our team better from day one.
Given his past success in MLS and in South America, he could be exactly what Orlando City SC need to stay competitive in domestic play this season.
Who is Eduard Atuesta?
Eduard Atuesta is a 27-year-old Colombian midfielder who currently plays for Palmeiras in Brazil’s Série A.
Born on June 18, 1997, in Vélez, Colombia, he stands at 5 ft 11 in and primarily operates as a deep-lying playmaker or central midfielder.
Atuesta started his career with Independiente Medellín, making his professional debut in 2016.
After breaking into their first team, he moved to MLS in 2018, joining Los Angeles FC on loan before making the move permanent.
During his four years with LAFC, Atuesta became one of the league’s most well-rounded midfielders.
In 2019, he was a key figure in LAFC’s record-breaking Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign, controlling games alongside Mark-Anthony Kaye and Latif Blessing.
Named to the MLS Best XI in 2019, and becoming an MLS All-Star in 2021, Atuesta joined Palmeiras in December 2021 for a reported $4 million.
While he struggled to cement a consistent starting role in Brazil, he still collected multiple trophies, including two Série A titles.
Atuesta returned to LAFC on loan in 2023, providing depth in the midfield and helping them reach the 2023 MLS Cup Final.
Now, as Orlando City SC look to strengthen their squad, the Colombian midfielder appears to be on the verge of a permanent return to MLS.
Atuesta’s international experience
Eduard Atuesta has represented Colombia at youth level, captaining the U-20 national team in the 2019 South American U-20 Championship.
While he has yet to establish himself as a regular for the senior national team (2 caps), he did earn his first call-up in 2022 and remains on the radar for future selections.
Would Atuesta be the right fit for Orlando City SC?
Orlando City SC are entering a crucial year, with multiple competitions on the horizon, including the 2025 MLS regular season, the 2025 Leagues Cup, PLUS our much-appreciated return to the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Losing Wilder Cartagena for an extended period is a major blow, but signing Atuesta would be a strong response.
His familiarity with MLS means he wouldn’t need time to adapt, and he could slot into the midfield immediately alongside César Araújo.
Atuesta’s ability to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and contribute in both phases of the game would provide much-needed stability.
If this move gets over the line, Orlando City SC would be adding a player with championship-winning experience in both MLS and South America.
Now it looks like Atuesta will be the new midfield piece for the Lions, there’s no doubt his signing is a statement of intent for 2025.
In signing for Orlando City SC, Atuesta will become the seventh Colombian to play for the Lions after Carlos Rivas, Cristian Higuita, Santiago Patiño, Iván Angulo, Luis Muriel, and Nicolás Rodríguez.
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