Orlando City sign forward Martin Ojeda from Godoy Cruz as Designated Player

Orlando City have strengthened their forward line with the signing of winger Martin Ojeda from Argentine side Godoy Cruz.

The 24-year-old has been on Orlando's radar for some time and joins as a Designated Player (DP) through 2025, with club options on 2026 and 2027. The Lions opened up the DP spot used for this transfer when they re-negotiated Mauricio Peryeyra's contract earlier this winter.

Ojeda will help Orlando form an all-DP forward line alongside Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres and Austrian striker Ercan Kara.

"Martin is a player that we have targeted for some time and are thrilled to have him join us. He is one of the most promising South American players, with a profile and playing style that fits our club identity," Luiz Muzzi, Orlando's executive vice president of soccer operations and general manager, said in a club press release.

"His versatility and tenacity in the attacking third make him a dangerous player in our offensive end, and he has an incredible work rate off the ball that make him difficult for opponents to deal with. Martin is a key acquisition for us, both this season and beyond, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have him with us in Orlando."

Ojeda joins Orlando following a two-year spell with Godoy Cruz, where he managed an impressive 32 goals and 21 assists in 97 appearances across all competitions. The forward has previous experience with fellow Argentine sides Racing Club, Huracan, and Ferro Carril Oeste.

Orlando City are looking to make the MLS Cup Playoffs for the fourth year running under head coach Oscar Pareja in 2023.