Orlando City have transfered midfielder Yoshimar Yotun to Liga MX side Cruz Azul, the MLS club announced on Thursday.
Yotun, who played for Peru at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, led Orlando with 10 assists and scored four goals. He was Orlando's lone representative at the 2018 MLS All-Star game.
"I am happy to be part of Cruz Azul, the 28-year-old told ESPN Deportes on Thursday upon arriving to Mexico City. "A big club, which always fights for important things and that goes to any statdium to battle."
Prior to joining Orlando in 2017, the 28-year-old played for Peruvian squad Sporting Cristal, Swedish side FF Malmo, and Brazil's Vasco da Gama.
"Yoshi has been an important player for this club; however, he expressed interest in Cruz Azul at the conclusion of the season. We worked closely with him and his agent to keep him in Orlando, including offering new contract options," said Orlando City executive vice president of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi in a statement. "Ultimately, the player had his mind set on a move to Mexico, and we reached the best possible outcome for both him and the club. We thank Yoshi for his time with Orlando City and wish him the best of luck in the future," Muzzi said.
ProSoccerUSA reported that the deal is worth $4 million.
Cruz Azul was at the top of the Liga MX table at the end of the 2018 Apertura, but lost to Mexico City rivals Club America in the finals. In addition to Yotun, La Maquina have added reinforcements Jonathan Rodriguez, Orbelin Pineda and Alexis Gutierrez.
Orlando also received $50,000 in targeted allocation money from Columbus Crew for veteran goalkeeper Joe Bendik.
