Orlando City sign Ramiro Enrique from Banfield via U22 Initiative | OneFootball

Orlando City have completed the signing of talented Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique from Primera Division side Banfield, the club announced Thursday.

Enrique has signed a three-year contract through the 2025 MLS season with club options on 2026 and 2027, arriving via the U22 Initiative. The 21-year-old is Orlando City's third such signing alongside Uruguayan midfielder Cesar Araujo and compatriot winger Gaston Gonzalez.

The Lions have been particularly active in Argentina this winter with fellow forward Martin Ojeda joining from Godoy Cruz as a Designated Player.

“We are excited to welcome Ramiro to our club ahead of the 2023 season, as we look to complete our roster and contend for more championships,” Luiz Muzzi, Orlando's executive vice president of soccer operations and general manager, said in a club press release.

“Ramiro is a very mobile and fast attacker that can create many opportunities in the attacking third. His versatility at the top of the formation gives us a ton of options to be creative in the attack and we can’t wait to get him integrated into the group."

Enrique leaves after playing 73 times for Banfield across all competitions since emerging from the club's youth system in 2021, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists during that time.

At international level, the forward was called up to the Argentine U18 side in 2019, though he hasn't been capped at any step for his country to date.

"Still early on in his professional career, he had a great season with Banfield and we are excited to be able to progress and elevate his skills here in Orlando," Muzzi added in his statement. "He is able to play a few different positions on the field and creates space both for himself and his teammates making him difficult to defend against. Ramiro is a great acquisition for us and we are excited to have him here.”

The Lions are looking to reach the MLS Cup Playoffs for a fourth consecutive year in 2023 and kick off the new season at home to the New York Red Bulls on February 25.