Orlando City recruits Josue Colman as Larin nears exit

Orlando City has responded to news of Cyle Larin's imminent departure by signing 19-year-old attacking midfielder Josue Colman to a Young Designated Player contract.

The Lions announced the move Monday amid an offseason of heavy turnover. Larin, Orlando's all-time leading scorer with 43 goals, is set to join Besiktas in the January transfer window, while Antonio Nocerino, Giles Barnes, Kaka, Carlos Rivas, and Tommy Redding have already left the club.

Colman, who made 32 league appearances in 2017 for Paraguayan powerhouse Club Cerro Porteno, arrived on a five-year deal to help ease the blow of a trying winter.

"We are pleased to welcome such an exciting young prospect to our roster," general manager Niki Budalic said in the statement. "Josue has great pace and can create chances for himself and others. His skillset and profile give us confidence and he will be a great fit in Orlando and MLS for years to come."

Orlando began the recruitment drive earlier this month, finalizing a deal with the New York Red Bulls to acquire assists king Sacha Kljestan in exchange for players and Targeted Allocation Money.