Orlando City signs M Wilder Cartagena to 2-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th December, 17:59 2023

Oct 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando City SC midfielder Wilder Cartagena (16) against Nashville SC in the second half at Exploria Stadium. credits: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando City moved to retain Wilder Cartagena, signing the midfielder Thursday to a two-year guaranteed contract through 2025.

Cartagena, 29, had been on loan with Orlando City the past two seasons after previously playing for Al-Ittihad Kalba FC of United Arab Emirates' UAE Pro League. In 41 appearances (33 starts) for Orlando City across all competitions, Cartagena scored three goals with two assists.

No financial terms of the contract were disclosed.

"Wilder stepped up a lot for us in the last couple years, bringing a veteran experience to our midfield that added a lot of strength and set us up for success last season," Orlando City general manager Luiz Muzzi said in a statement. "Bringing him back to Orlando after his loan expired was a key part of our plans next for next season and beyond."

A member of Peru's national team, Cartagena has 11 goals and eight assists in 282 games played in all competitions across his professional career since 2012.

—Field Level Media