A long-awaited announcement is now official. Orlando City announced on Friday that it acquired midfielder Luis Otavio from Sport Club Internacional of the Brasileirao, signing the player to a U-22 Initiative deal that runs through the 2027-2028 season with an option for the following year. “Luis is an exciting young talent that we’re proud to bring to Orlando,” said Orlando City general manager & sporting director Ricardo Moreira. “At just 18 years old, he’s already shown he can compete at a high level in Brazil’s top division, and we believe his defensive qualities and composure will translate well to MLS. Signing him as part of the U22 Initiative gives us the opportunity to invest in his development while strengthening our midfield for the future. Luis is a player for the future of Orlando City.”The Lions reportedly paid a $3.2 million transfer fee to Internacional for Otavio and for 60% of his rights. Otavio, 18, arrives in Orlando at a time when the team is looking to resolve its depleted midfield following the departure of Cesar Araujo. The Uruguayan left Orlando following the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2025 season amid a season marked by injuries. Orlando lost Wilder Cartagena prior to the 2025 season after an Achilles injury sidelined him for the entire year. Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta would step up in Cartagena’s absence, but the player also dealt with some inconsistencies due to injury as well. Meanwhile, rookie Joran Gerbet also dealt with his respective knocks throughout the season, including a torn ACL toward the latter part of the year. With Otavio now in the mix, and Cartagena expected to be back at some point in the spring, and with a recharged Atuesta, head coach Oscar Pareja will now have some depth in regard to the midfield position. Orlando City general manager and sporting director Moreira told WESH 2 earlier this month that he expects the U-22 Initiative signings this year, in regard to Otavio and Tiago Souza, to play ‘an active role or starting’ for the Lions.Considering the amount of money reportedly spent in transfer fees to acquire those players, high expectations will be placed on Tiago Souza on Luis Otavio once the season gets underway in February. Additional notesThe Lions still need to lock in a starting goalkeeper after the team decided to move on from Pedro Gallese at the end of the season. Carlos Coronel, who is reportedly joining Orlando City as a free agent following five seasons with the New York Red Bulls, is now second-guessing his move, according to The Athletic. The team will also need to add depth to its fullback positions, while adding another center back after Rodrigo Schlegel’s departure will likely be on Orlando’s shopping list this winter. Offseason highlightsOrlando City announces year-end roster decisionsPedro Gallese departs Orlando CityWilder Cartagena signs new contractRobin Jansson extends stayLions ‘aggressive’ in the offseasonRodrigo Schlegel transferred to Atlas FC Orlando City acquires Tiago Souza Tyrese Spicer signs new contract Mike Gramajo is an Assignment Editor and Sportswriter at WESH 2, who has covered the Orlando soccer scene since 2012. You can follow his coverage over on X and Instagram.

A long-awaited announcement is now official.

Orlando City announced on Friday that it acquired midfielder Luis Otavio from Sport Club Internacional of the Brasileirao, signing the player to a U-22 Initiative deal that runs through the 2027-2028 season with an option for the following year.

“Luis is an exciting young talent that we’re proud to bring to Orlando,” said Orlando City general manager & sporting director Ricardo Moreira. “At just 18 years old, he’s already shown he can compete at a high level in Brazil’s top division, and we believe his defensive qualities and composure will translate well to MLS. Signing him as part of the U22 Initiative gives us the opportunity to invest in his development while strengthening our midfield for the future. Luis is a player for the future of Orlando City.”

The Lions reportedly paid a $3.2 million transfer fee to Internacional for Otavio and for 60% of his rights.

Otavio, 18, arrives in Orlando at a time when the team is looking to resolve its depleted midfield following the departure of Cesar Araujo.

The Uruguayan left Orlando following the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2025 season amid a season marked by injuries. Orlando lost Wilder Cartagena prior to the 2025 season after an Achilles injury sidelined him for the entire year.

Colombian midfielder Eduard Atuesta would step up in Cartagena’s absence, but the player also dealt with some inconsistencies due to injury as well. Meanwhile, rookie Joran Gerbet also dealt with his respective knocks throughout the season, including a torn ACL toward the latter part of the year.

With Otavio now in the mix, and Cartagena expected to be back at some point in the spring, and with a recharged Atuesta, head coach Oscar Pareja will now have some depth in regard to the midfield position.

Orlando City general manager and sporting director Moreira told WESH 2 earlier this month that he expects the U-22 Initiative signings this year, in regard to Otavio and Tiago Souza, to play ‘an active role or starting’ for the Lions.

Considering the amount of money reportedly spent in transfer fees to acquire those players, high expectations will be placed on Tiago Souza on Luis Otavio once the season gets underway in February.

Additional notes

The Lions still need to lock in a starting goalkeeper after the team decided to move on from Pedro Gallese at the end of the season.

Carlos Coronel, who is reportedly joining Orlando City as a free agent following five seasons with the New York Red Bulls, is now second-guessing his move, according to The Athletic.

The team will also need to add depth to its fullback positions, while adding another center back after Rodrigo Schlegel’s departure will likely be on Orlando’s shopping list this winter.

Offseason highlights

Mike Gramajo is an Assignment Editor and Sportswriter at WESH 2, who has covered the Orlando soccer scene since 2012. You can follow his coverage over on X and Instagram.