Orlando City transfer forward Alexander Alvarado to LDU Quito on permanent basis | OneFootball

LDU Quito have exercised their purchase option on Orlando City forward Alexander Alvarado following a season-long loan at the Ecuadorian side.

Alvarado failed to score or assist in 12 games for Orlando following his 2020 arrival from Aucas but impressed during his loan spell, hitting 14 goals and eight assists in 35 games across all competitions for LDU Quito.

“Alexander is someone who has put in a lot of effort since joining our club and has always maintained a strong work ethic,” Orlando City executive vice president of soccer operations and general manager Luiz Muzzi said in a statement at the time of Alvarado's loan. “This loan presents him with a unique opportunity to gain valuable minutes while also returning home. We look forward to seeing his growth throughout his time in Ecuador.”

Alvarado's form with LDU Quito has been in sharp contrast to that which preceded it, with the forward only managing nine goals across spells with Orlando, Aucas, Gualaceo SC, and Deportivo Quito.

The 23-year-old forward is capped three times for Ecuador at senior level, playing in 2019 friendlies against Bolivia and Argentina, before getting a recall against Cape Verde last summer.

Orlando City enjoyed a positive 2022 campaign having qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the third year running and won the US Open Cup - thus booking their debut in the Concacaf Champions League.