The first signing of the York United FC era is Sebastian Gutierrez.

The 23-year-old Colombian attacking midfielder – known for his impressive touch, vision, eye for goal, and ability from free-kicks – has signed a one-year deal with the newly-rebranded club, with options for 2022 and 2023.

Gutierrez started his career with Colombian top tier side Club Patriotas, making a handful of appearances before shifting to second division side Llaneros. The creative midfielder scored nine goals in 49 appearances for the club since 2018.

Gutierrez is the seventh and final international signing for York United in 2021 – six of which will make their CPL debuts this upcoming season. The Colombian is also York’s fourth player from South America, joining Lisandro Cabrera, William Wallace, and Mateo Hernández as a crop of southern hemispheric influence on the GTA club.

York United is the first CPL club to fill all their international slots for the 2021 campagain.

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“The Colombian market is one that we have looked at in some depth this off-season,” York United managing consultant Angus McNab said in a release, referring to fellow Colombian league standout Hernández.

“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. Sebastian’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 Sebastian 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.”

Gutierrez is York’s 21st signing for the 2021 CPL season, set to line up alongside domestic signings like CanPL.ca Top 23 Under 23 entrant Max Ferrari, former HFX Wanderers FC standout Chrisnovic N’sa, and returnees like Michael Petrasso and Diyaeddine Abzi.