Orlando City sign Ivan Angulo on permanent deal from Palmeiras | OneFootball

Orlando City have signed forward Ivan Angulo from Brazilian side Palmeiras, making his loan move permanent ahead of the 2024 MLS season.

Angulo originally joined the Lions on loan in July 2022 just before the club secured their first-ever trophy by winning the US Open Cup later that year over USL side Sacramento Republic FC. He signs for the central Florida club on a two-year contract through the 2025 campaign with an option for 2026.

He made just 11 appearances in 2022 upon joining for the second half of the MLS campaign, but he was still able to add two assists for the Orlando attack. Angulo took his game to another level in 2023 by registering six goals six goals and six assists in regular season and postseason play.

"Ivan has been so impactful for us these last few years, not only with his creativity in the attacking phase of play but also with his defensive pressure from the wing," said Orlando City executive vice president of soccer operations and general manager Luiz Muzzi.

"He's ingrained himself into the group since the moment he arrived and has been invaluable for us and we’re excited to have him here as part of our foundation for next season."

His exceptional dribbling combined with his blistering pace helped the Lions attack set a new record for goals scored in a regular season (55) as well as achieving their highest-ever finish in the Eastern Conference table as they wrapped up the second place spot with 63 points and 18 wins, both club records.

Prior to joining Orlando in the summer of 2022, Angulo spent several seasons on loan while still contracted to Palmeiras with the likes of Cruzeiro, Botafogo RJ, Portimonense. Angulo made 35 appearances for Envigado in his native Colombia before joining Palmeiras in August 2019 where things just never really worked out.

With Angulo's signature now secured, the Lions will look to build on their successful 2023 campaign and aim to go further in MLS Cup playoffs after their conference semifinals exit to MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew last December.