Orlando City signs Wilder Cartagena on loan from Al-Ittihad Kalba SC

Orlando City SC have signed Peruvian international midfielder Wilder Cartagena on loan from United Arab Emirates top division​​ team Al-Ittihad Kalba SC.

He joins through the end of the 2022 Major League Soccer season, with an option to extend through 2023. 

“Wilder is a player that brings valuable high-level experience to the table and will add strong defensive depth for us in the midfield,” Luiz Muzzi, Orlando’s EVP of soccer operations and general manager, said in a release. 

“His time at various clubs around the world and on the international stage have given him a wealth of knowledge about the game and we’re excited to have him with us now in The City Beautiful.”

Cartagena is no stranger to the Orlando City squad, often featuring alongside goalkeeper Pedro Gallese on the Peruvian national team. He’s been capped 18 times by Peru, appearing for the team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. 

He kicked off his professional career in 2012, and has since seen stints at Vitória Setúbal FC, Universidad San Martín, Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz and CD Godoy Cruz before completing his transfer to Al-Ittihad Kalba SC in July of 2021.

The midfielder now joins Orlando City in their fight to make the MLS playoffs. The team currently sits in fifth place on the Eastern Conference table with 30 points in 23 games and a record of 8W-9L-6D.