TRANSFER TRACKER:Transfer
Another South American has been signed by Orlando City SC ahead of the 2020 MLS season, as the club announced Monday that they’ve acquired midfielder Junior Urso via transfer from Brazilian Serie A side Corinthians.
The 30-year-old is set to make above the maximum salary budget charge, so the Lions will determine his roster designation ahead of the MLS Roster Compliance date Feb. 28.
“We are very excited to welcome Junior Urso to Orlando City,” Orlando City EVP of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi said in a statement. “Coming from a renowned club like Corinthians, he brings a great amount of international experience to Orlando while allowing us to add more depth and a new skill set to our midfield. He possesses great vision and abilities on the ball and we expect him to make an immediate impact on our roster.”
Last year with Corinthians, the midfielder appeared in 48 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals as they won a Campeonato Paulista title. Before joining Corinthians, Urso spent nearly five seasons in the Chinese Super League, first with Shandong Luneng and then with Guangzhou R&F.
Between his Chinese stops, Junior Urso was also loaned to Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro. He spent the first six years of his professional career in his home country, notably at clubs such as Avai and Coritiba.
Already this offseason, Orlando have turned to South America in acquiring Colombian midfielder Andres Perea on loan from Atletico Nacional. They’ve also landed defender Rodrigo Schlegelfrom Argentine club Racing Club and Antonio Carlosfrom Brazilian club Palmeiras, both on loan.
Orlando are entering their first season under head coach Oscar Pareja and open their 2020 season Feb. 29 against Real Salt Lake.
