ORLANDO, Fla. (February 24, 2018) - Orlando City SC will acquire $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) in 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for defender José Aja. The Club could acquire up to $300,000 in conditional add-ons through the next three seasons and will retain a percentage of future transfer if he is sold outside of Major League Soccer (MLS).

In exchange for Aja, Orlando City SC also receives Vancouver's 2021 natural second-round draft pick if Aja remains with the club during the 2020 season.

“We thank José for his hard work and dedication to our Club since we first brought him on board,” said Orlando City SC General Manager Niki Budalic. “He’s been a respectful and enjoyable professional to have on the team, and we wish him the best in his next endeavors.”

Orlando City acquired Aja on a six-month loan from Club Nacional de Football in his native Uruguay in July 2016 and was later signed to a four-year contract in December of that same year. He made 10 appearances, including eight 90-minute performances in the team’s last nine games of the season. In 2017, Aja played and started in 15 of City’s 34 games.

Transaction: Orlando City SC will acquire $125,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) in 2019 from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for defender José Aja.