CHESTER, Pa. (December 6, 2022) – Philadelphia Union announced today that they have acquired midfielder Andrés Perea from Orlando City SC. In exchange, Orlando City SC will receive $450,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money and $300,000 in 2024 GAM. Additionally, Orlando could receive an additional $100,000 in GAM and a percentage of Perea’s transfer fee if certain conditions are met. The 22-year-old joins the Union following their historic run to become Eastern Conference Champions and their first trip to the MLS Cup Final.
Perea, who made his debut with the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2021, also signed a new contract with the Union for a guaranteed three years with a team option for 2026.
“We know Andrés both from our league as well as various international tournaments and were immediately impressed with his ability and tenacity,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director, Ernst Tanner. “Andrés is a versatile player who can play multiple positions in our system. We believe he is ready to take the next step in his development and will challenge for a significant role as he learns our style of play and integrates into the team.”
Perea signed on loan with Orlando City SC for the 2020 season before joining on a permanent transfer ahead of their 2021 campaign from Colombian club, Atlético Nacional. In his three seasons with Orlando, Perea made 74 appearances (34 starts), registering three goals and three assists in that time. He made his Major League Soccer debut on February 29, 2020, coming on as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake. In 2022, Perea appeared in the U.S. Open Cup Final, where Orlando City SC claimed their first-ever trophy against USL Championship side Sacramento Republic FC at Exploria Stadium.
Internationally, Perea was called up to Colombia’s U-17 National Team squad ahead of the Campeonato Sudamericano Sub-17 Championship and FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. In 2019, he started all five matches for Colombia’s U-20 National Team in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where the team reached the quarterfinals. In January 2021, FIFA granted Perea a one-time switch to represent the United States Men’s National Team competitively and on January 31 he made his debut for the United States, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 7-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in an international friendly. In March of 2021, Perea was named to the United States Men’s National Team U-23 squad for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship, earning four appearances.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union acquire midfielder Andrés Perea from Orlando City SC in exchange for $450,000 in 2023 GAM, $300,000 in 2024 GAM, an additional $100,000 in conditional GAM if certain conditions are met, and a percentage of future transfer fee.
Name: Andrés Perea
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 159 lbs
Born: November 14, 2000
Birthplace: Tampa, Florida
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Citizenship: United States, Colombia
Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign midfielder Andrés Perea on December 6, 2022.
Previous Experience: Orlando City SC (2020-2022), Atlético Nacional (2017-2020).
