Orlando City’s first official acquisition ahead of the 2022 season came Friday when Uruguayan midfielder César Araújo signed a three-year contract with an option year for 2025, joining as the club’s first U-22 Initiative signing.
“We’re very excited about bringing César to Orlando and having him suit up in purple,” said Luiz Muzzi, Orlando City executive VP of soccer operations. “He’s focused and energetic in the center and we expect that he’ll bolster and strengthen our midfield.”
The 20-year-old midfielder joins Orlando from Montevideo Wanderers Futbol Club, out Uruguay’s first division.
What does this signing mean?
Araújo’s addition to Orlando City means added depth to Oscar Pareja’s roster, especially at midfield.
Where exactly he’ll play? According to scouts familiar with the player, Araújo is a central attacking midfielder who also can play the wings and drop down as a No. 6 midfielder – a versatile player that gives Pareja options on where he can deploy the young midfielder.
The club, however, still has plenty of holes to fill, especially at the wings following the departures of Chris Mueller and Nani. There’s also a need to replace the goals by Daryl Dike during his two seasons with Orlando.
Dike recently left Orlando to sign with English Championship side West Bromwich Albion for a reported $9.5 million transfer.
Preseason camp officially starts on Jan. 16, but the Lions could add more players to their roster beforehand. The MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday could see Orlando utilize its picks with selections at Nos. 18, 46, and 74.
Orlando City kicks off the 2022 season on Feb. 27 against CF Montreal at 1 p.m. at Exploria Stadium.
What’s the U-22 Initiative?
It’s a mechanism that MLS introduced in April 2021, and it allows MLS clubs to sign up to three players that are 22 years of age or under to lucrative contracts at a reduced salary budget charge.
The league announced this initiative to encourage clubs to further foster young talent, whether in their respective academies or from abroad.
Pedro Gallese in talks with contract renewal
Pedro Gallese confirmed through the Peruvian national team’s social media channels that he’s in talks about renewing his contract with Orlando City.
“I’m conversing a lot with my club, there are some things that need to be finalized, but I’ll see after the international breaks,” Gallese told Peruvian media earlier this week.
The goalkeeper, who is with his national team, is still under contract for the 2022 season. Gallese had 68 saves for Orlando last season.
Upcoming fan fest events
Orlando Regional Spelling Bee: Saturday, Feb. 5 at Exploria Stadium.
Pints with Pareja: Thursday, Feb. 10 at Exploria Stadium.
Purple Pride 5K: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. at Exploria Stadium.
City Arm Jam: Friday, Feb. 18 at Ace Cafe
Orlando City also will unveil its new 2022 away jersey.
Orlando City’s 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 (4): Tesho Akindele, Benji Michel (HG), Alexander Alvarado, Silvester van der Water.
The Lions can have up to 30 players on the roster.
