Orlando City completed the transfer of Uruguayan forward Facundo Torres on Friday, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Orlando Sentinel.
The Lions paid a club-record $7.5 million fee and $1.5 million in bonuses for 100% of his rights. Former team Club Atlético Peñarol will receive a bonus for any future sale.
Torres, 21, signed a four-year deal plus an additional option year, the Sentinel has learned.
Considering the amount paid for the player and his age, it’s unclear if Torres will occupy the club’s second U-22 initiative slot or if he’ll be listed as a Designated Player.
The Lions are expected to make an announcement later next week once the final paperwork is processed.
Orlando coach Oscar Pareja confirmed interest in Torres earlier this month with the Sentinel, saying talks were ongoing between both parties.
“Not yet, we know the interest the club has in the player and the interest the player has in coming to Orlando,” Pareja said about Torres. “At this moment, it’s better to be patient and quiet and wait for things to come.”
Torres will become the third Uruguayan to sign with the Lions, joining Mauricio Pereyra and César Araújo who signed as a U-22 Initiative earlier this month.
Orlando reportedly paid $2 million for Araújo.
Orlando general manager Luiz Muzzi earlier this month revealed the club’s new ownership under the Wilf family has shown commitment in targeting high-profile and up-and-coming players.
“They’re committed. From Day One they said, ‘Look, we want to get titles we want to get trophies. We’re committed.’ That was the message.”
Ahead of the 2018 season, Orlando City spent a then-club-record transfer fee of $2.8 million to acquire Josue Colman, who was 19.
Updated roster
Goalkeeper (3): Pedro Gallese, Mason Stajduhar (Homegrown), Adam Grinwis
Defenders (8): Kyle Smith, Ruan, Joao Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, Michael Halliday (HG), Thomas Williams (HG),
Midfielders (7): Jhegson Sebastián Méndez, Andrés Perea, Júnior Urso, Joey DeZart, Wilfredo Rivera (HG), Mauricio Pereyra (Designated), César Araújo (Young Money).
Forwards (5): Tesho Akindele, Benji Michel (HG), Silvester van der Water, Alexandre Pato, Facundo Torres
