Toronto, ON (December 15, 2020) – York United Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Colombian attacking midfielder Sebastián Gutiérrez.

The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal through 2021, with options for a further two years, and becomes the first acquisition of the newly-rebranded organization.

Gutiérrez started out at well-known Club Patriotas in Primera A, Colombia’s top tier, and made a number of appearances across his two seasons there. But it was at Llaneros, in Primera B, where he greatly impressed upon his arrival in 2018.

A creative presence in the middle of the pitch, Gutiérrez’s touch, vision and eye for goal ensured he quickly became an integral part of the side and he found the net ten times in 49 appearances. With flicks, tricks and an eye for the odd spectacular free-kick, he promises to be a fan favourite.

“I am incredibly excited to be a York United player,” Gutiérrez says.

“It is an exciting new era for this club and I look forward to being a fundamental part of that next chapter. I thank God for this opportunity, and both the club and Managing Consultant, Angus McNab, for believing in my talent. I can assure the fans that I will work as hard as possible to bring success and trophies to York United.”

Having already signed Argentine forward Lisandro Cabrera during this transfer window – another player with experience in the Colombian league – McNab admits to having found the country particularly inviting regarding potential recruits.

“The Colombian market is one that we have looked at in some depth this off-season,” he says.

“I feel that it offers phenomenal value and there are a larger proportion of young talents that would be realistic targets for us in both the 1st and 2nd divisions than in other competitions in South America. Sebastián’s experience, having logged over 3000 minutes in Colombia, was very attractive and impressive given he has only just turned 23. He was a little unfortunate with how 2020 played out as the pandemic couldn’t come at a worse time for a free agent but that’s certainly played in our favour here.”

“We didn’t create enough chances from open play last season and our xG per shot was low. I feel Sebastián can help us address that. He’s a wonderful footballer and I think we all fell in love with his skill and vision when scouting him.”