Lions sign Peruvian midfielder Yotún

Orlando City signed Peruvian midfielder Yoshimar Yotún on Friday, pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.

The Lions signed Yotún as a designated player, using targeted allocation money to remove the DP tag from Giles Barnes. Yotún will occupy an international spot in Orlando City’s roster.

The club is hoping Yotún will help improve the team's passing and creativity.

He can play as an attacking midfielder and left back. He was part of his country’s roster for the 2016 Copa America Centenario held in the United States, as well as in 2011 and 2015. Yotún has two goals and seven assists in 64 international appearances.

Yotún, 27, has been on Orlando City’s radar for a while. The club looked into signing him last summer, sources told the Sentinel.

He joins the Lions from highly successful Swedish club Malmö FF. He’s made 72 overall appearances for the club, including 10 UEFA Champions League matches, and has three goals and 15 assists. Yotún also helped Malmö win the 2016 Allsvenskan championship.

“We were actively looking to add depth in the midfield during this transfer window and are excited to sign Yoshi,” Lions general manager Niki Budalic said. “Yoshi can play as a creative midfielder who can operate both wide and centrally, as well as cover as an attacking left back. He stands out for his passing and creative ability, as well as his versatility to play multiple positions. He is a great fit for our long-term plans and someone we’ve tracked since last year. We are pleased to have finally acquired him.”

This is the second move for Orlando City in the Major League Soccer secondary transfer window, which opened July 10 and closes in five days. The Lions made a splash acquiring Dom Dwyer in a trade with Sporting Kansas City last week.