Orlando City SC Fully Acquire Wilder Cartagena From Ittihad Kalba FC

Orlando City fully acquire midfielder Wilder Cartagena on a permanent deal from Ittihad Kalba FC. The 29 year old Peruvian International has been on loan from the UAE Pro League side since the summer of 2022. During his time on loan with Orlando City he has helped the Lions win their first ever trophy in club history (the 2022 U.S. Open Cup), play in 41 games, and contribute to 4 G+A. The defensive midfielder has really been a boost to Oscar Pareja’s lower block upon his arrival. 

To me this is a fantastic boost to keep Orlando City on their route of trying to be within the upper echelon of MLS clubs. Last season Orlando City finished 2nd in a very tough Eastern Conference and proved that under Oscar Pareja, they were one of the most dangerous clubs within MLS. I think a major part of that was the defensive efforts of Orlando City and within that, the defensive midfield pairing of Wilder Cartagena and Cesar Araujo. This was a very smart move to make sure Cartagena remained within Orlando next season.