Source: FC Cincinnati’s Vallecilla loan deal can become permanent

Gustavo Vallecilla is a promising addition to FC Cincinnati’s roster, the Ecuadorean defender helping to address an area of need for the team last year. And as it turns out, his addition to FC Cincinnati could be permanent if the deal works out in 2021.

A source close to the situation tells FanSided’s ‘MLS Multiplex’ that the 21-year old defender’s loan deal comes with an option to become permanent. The deal was announced by FC Cincinnati on Monday.

According to the source, FC Cincinnati can pay SD Aucas to make the move permanent for a fee in the ballpark of $1 million. It is believed that the club has already made a sizable six-figure investment to acquire the player on loan.

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Vallecilla made his professional debut at 17-years old and has made a total of 47 appearances during that time. He will be called on to help anchor a backline that gave up a league-worst goals per game average a season ago, leading to the club finishing bottom of the table.

FC Cincinnati conceded 36 goals in just 16 games played.

Last season, the club finished bottom of the table in points earned and points per game. They also were bottom in scoring, with just 12 goals scored.

Over the past few months, FC Cincinnati general manager Gerard Nijkamp has been given the resources to reshape and reshuffle the roster. Big name signings for the final-third, including Brazilian forward Brenner and creative midfielder Luciano Acosta should help an attack that struggled to create let alone finish chances.

Vallecilla is a strong and physically imposing centerback who can play multiple positions along the backline but is most comfortable in the middle of a back three or a back four. He does come with international experience, having appeared five times for Ecuador’s U23 national team as well as 16 appearances with the U20 side.

He will be available upon receiving his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate.

Follow Kristian Dyer of ‘MLS Multiplex‘ on Twitter @KristianRDyer