Photo: Mark Thor
Orlando City SC has acquired 24-year-old midfielder Martín Ojeda from Club Deportivo Godoy Cruz Antonio Tomba, commonly known as Godoy Cruz, of Argentina’s Primera División, it was announced today. Ojeda will join the Lions as a Designated Player pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa, ITC and medical evaluation on three-year contract through 2025, with Club options in 2026 and 2027.
“We are excited to welcome Martín to our club as our third Designated Player heading into the 2023 season, as we continue to build our roster to fight for more championships,” said Orlando City SC Chairman Mark Wilf. “Martín is a talented young player who has exceptional skills, and we look forward to the excitement he will bring to our team and our fans with his style of play.”
“Martín 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,” said Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “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. Martín 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.”
A product of Club Ferro Carril Oeste’s youth academy system, Ojeda joined Ferro’s senior team on Jan. 1, 2016 when he was 18. The Gualeguaychú, Argentina, native made the jump to the country’s Primera División, joining the famed Racing Club in July 2017. Since then “Tincho” has played for Huracán and Godoy Cruz.
The 24-year old midfielder has appeared in 139 professional matches, scoring 35 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions. Ojeda has experience playing in the Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, Copa Superliga and the Copa Diego Armando Maradona since beginning his professional career.
Ojeda joins Orlando City forwards Ercan Kara and Facundo Torres as Designated Players on the Lions’ 2023 roster.